Serving as a bridge between diabetic patients and health care providers, Comprehensive Diabetic Solutions’ (CDS) job is to support patients with American Diabetes Association-recognized education, coaching and resources.

Still without a cure, diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States according to the ADA. Diabetes is known to cause blindness, kidney disease and amputations. However, the most life-threatening consequences of diabetes are heart attack and stroke, striking diabetics twice as often as others. It is believed that diabetes changes the chemical makeup of the blood and causes hardening of the arteries to accelerate.

The learning curve for the new diabetes patient can be overwhelming, with testing, medication, injections, dietary changes and other lifestyle changes to be mastered. CDS not only offers everything needed for diabetes management but also classes taught by certified diabetes educators. In addition, transportation within the Memphis area is provided for those classes. The cost is billed to the patient’s insurance company.

No one is denied education.

“Here, you get more than the usual three minutes in the doctor’s office. It’s not just a data dump about diabetes,” said Beth McKinzie, R.N., C.D.E., Clinical Director, CDS. “Our classroom experience is open and engaging, much like a support group.”

CDS opened in Memphis in December 2005 and has served over 2,000 patients with education or equipment.

CDS is associated with At Home Medical which yields a benefit for diabetes patients—the Glucolab ®. The small meter uses a tiny blood sample and results are ready in 5 seconds. It has a high capacity test memory, and the machine can give 7-, 14- and 30-day averages to a patient’s physician. Supplies are automatically sent out every 90 days, so there are no excuses for forgetting test strips. Other durable medical equipment, including footwear, is also available.

“It’s all about changing behaviors. We set a goal, evaluate, adjust a goal and continue to follow a course until we run into a dead end and reset the course. Once they finish class, it doesn’t mean they are done with us – we keep calling and checking to keep them focused on their goals and blood sugar control. That’s one thing that sets us apart,” McKinzie said.

The ADA recommends a team approach to treating and monitoring the diabetes patient. CDS has found education and continued involvement by a participant care coordinator produce results. Over 90 percent of a recently graduated class decreased their A1C levels (a hemoglobin test measuring averages in blood glucose over a 3-month-period).

“If your’ve had diabetes 20 years or are newly diagnosed we can help. Improving lives - that is what we are about” said McKinzie. To enroll, call 901-327-9440.

Beth McKinzie, R.N. - Beth McKinzie, R.N., has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for over 20 years. She served 23 years in the US Navy Nurse Corps and is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. She has been the Clinical Director of CDS since October 2006.