Heart of Kansas Family Health Care, 1905 19th, has been recognized as one of only three community health centers in the state to earn a Quality Award for its care and treatment of patients with diabetes.
The award from the Community Care Network of Kansas for Diabetic Clinical Quality noted that 81 percent of Heart of Kansas diabetic patients has an A1c below 9. The national average is 69.6 percent, while the Kansas percentage is 71.4.
Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that indicates average blood glucose during the previous four months.
“Heart of Kansas providers use a holistic approach to caring for our diabetic patients,” said Jean Pringle, MD. “This starts with the patient learning about and understanding diet and exercise recommendations.
“Then, we work on how to do glucose testing and use that information to improve control of the disease. Our knowledgeable nurses help patients with the new continuous glucometer monitoring, while offering whatever support patients need to reach their healthcare goals.”
In addition, Dr. Pringle noted, Heart of Kansas offers same-day appointments if diabetic patients are facing difficulties. This includes help in getting medications through either patient assistance from pharmaceutical companies or a special medication program available to federally qualified health centers.
“We also have nursing appointments to teach patients how to give injections,” Dr. Pringle said. “We spend a lot of time during these appointments to review medications and assure patients are making proper adjustments in their care.
“Heart of Kansas is fortunate to have programs that give our diabetic patients access to medications at affordable prices,” she continued. “Our providers want patients to enjoy the benefits of good diabetic management, which also entails addressing the social and economic challenges that patients face.”
A1c, diabetes information
The A1c test provides additional information from just a finger-stick glucose reading. It is a proven marker that can be used to decrease the risk of complications.
“The goal of the test does vary, depending on how long someone has had diabetes and if they have problems with low glucose,” Dr. Pringle commented. “However, the starting point is always an absolute A1c of less than 9. But that is not the ultimate goal; we aim for under 7. For someone young and newly diagnosed, even tighter control is ideal.”
Diabetes is usually asymptomatic but once glucose reaches a high level, symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurry vison, fatigue and recurrent infections, especially yeast infections. The patient may also be more at risk for dental cavities.
“The disease, for the most part, is genetic,” Dr. Pringle noted. “However, a patient’s environment can have an effect. This includes poor diet and obesity. Risk factors are family history, chronic corticosteroid use and obesity, especially when most of your weight is on your belly.”
Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.