Donor Funded Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center to Benefit Diabetes Patients and their Families

Donor Funded Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center to Benefit Diabetes Patients and their Families

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, a part of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, held a ribbon-cutting for the newly established Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center on Friday, April 23, 2021. The institute, which formally integrates the hospital's recognized diabetes care and education programs and promotes research, education and training and community outreach, will improve the lives of people of all ages living with diabetes, both now and in the future.

Hospital leaders gathered to cut the ribbon at 385 Prospect Avenue in Hackensack, where patient treatment, support and education initiatives for patients and their families are offered.

Hackensack University Medical Center is renowned for its programs of distinction in diabetes care and education. The medical center achieved Joint Commission Certification in Advanced Inpatient (hospital-based) Diabetes Management, and the MOLLY Diabetes Education/Management Center for Adults and Children, received prestigious American Diabetes Association Recognition for excellence in diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute builds on these programs while creating new ones.

"We have a history of launching and supporting excellent diabetes programs," said Colette Knight, M.D., chair of The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute and director of the endocrinology division. "The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute unifies them and enhances our efforts so that more people can benefit from advances in diabetes care and research. Our team is available to care for patients with any manifestation of diabetes, including type 1 and type 2, gestational and transplant-related diabetes."

The multidisciplinary team includes endocrinologists, diabetologists, certified medical assistants, nurse practitioners and certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) who all aim to improve the quality of life and transform the approach to care for people with diabetes and related disorders through innovative programs. The programs will focus on:

Exceptional patient care, including comprehensive care for hospital inpatients, a seamless transition to outpatient care at the Institute's new location and regular outpatient visits that include education about blood glucose monitoring, medication use, diet and other healthy lifestyle habits. Special attention is focused on pediatric patients making the transition to adult-level care. Patients may also receive referrals to other physicians.

Patient engagement and population health, including screening and prevention programs, monthly virtual educational lectures, outreach to community-based organizations to inform them of programs for their constituents, telehealth follow-up visits and support groups.

Advanced education and training programs, such as diabetes-focused rotations and research opportunities for medical students and residents, training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants and eventually fellowship training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.

Basic and applied research, featuring scientific investigations by scientists at Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation while developing improved diagnostic tools and prevention strategies.

The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute is named for longtime supporter and friend Lawrence J. Inserra, Jr., and his family. The Inserra family recently made a significant and generous commitment to benefit the diabetes program at Hackensack University Medical Center where Inserra currently serves as the chairman of Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation.

"Access to coordinated diabetes care and integration of that care into a person's life are two of the biggest obstacles for members of the communities we serve," said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center, executive vice president, Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health. "The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute provides comprehensive, seamless diabetes care and education for a person's lifetime. We are incredibly grateful for Larry and his family's continued commitment to vital programs like this at Hackensack University Medical Center."

Diabetes is a rapidly growing health problem in the United States, estimated to affect more than 30 million Americans. Most people have type 2 diabetes. In New Jersey, 12%of the population has diabetes, but one in four of them does not know they have it. Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease, circulation problems that affect the legs (leading to amputation in the most severe cases), eye problems and kidney disease, among other possible complications. The disease is more common in black, Asian and Hispanic individuals.

"Not only has Larry and his family given this incredible gift to benefit diabetes care and programs at The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute, but he and his family have an inspiring legacy of giving to Hackensack University Medical Center that is impactful," said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. "We are so thankful for the Inserra family's extraordinary support and congratulate Dr. Knight and her team on such a momentous event."

To support The Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, please click here or contact Clare Ward, interim executive director, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, at clare.ward@hmhn.org.