Going Beyond Glucose: Taking A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diabetes Care

For people with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and diabetes, comprehensive management and treatment is key to reducing the risk of complications. Hackensack University Medical Center’s endocrinology team works collaboratively with podiatrists, vascular surgeons and wound care experts to diagnose and treat peripheral vascular disease — and provide education on the impact diabetes has on cardiovascular health.

“We see many patients who aren’t aware that they have diabetes until they develop PVD or a related complication, such as a nonhealing foot wound,” said Colette M. Knight, M.D., chair of the Diabetes Institutes at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Our goal is to diagnose patients with diabetes and PVD earlier to reduce the risk of serious complications.”

A Team Approach to Diabetes Education and Outreach

To achieve that goal, the endocrinology team partners with podiatrists, social workers, diabetes educators, nutrition experts and vascular specialists to provide community outreach and educate patients about the link between diabetes, foot disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

“Through our Inserra Family Diabetes Institute, we offer a four-week educational program for patients that features a multidisciplinary team of speakers,” said Dr. Knight. “The program looks beyond glucose and helps patients understand the effects diabetes has on the body — including its impact on wound healing, the heart, and the vascular system.”

In the future, Dr. Knight said the team hopes to launch similar programs addressing other diabetes-related conditions, including fatty liver disease.

“We also started a successful support group, which serves as an additional resource for patients who are managing diabetes and related complications,” said Dr. Knight.

To learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health’s Diabetes and Endocrinology program click here.