Essentia receives national recognition for providing exceptional diabetes care

Highlighting the importance of high-quality diabetes care, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 38 million Americans live with the chronic disease.

Essentia Health is proud to receive the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Target: Type 2 Diabetes Gold award for our commitment to addressing the relationship between diabetes and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure for people living with Type 2 diabetes — yet in a survey of people aged 45 and older with Type 2 diabetes conducted by The Harris Poll, only half recognize their risk or have discussed their risk for heart attacks or strokes with their health care providers.

Target: Type 2 Diabetes addresses heart disease and stroke risk factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes as part of the Know Diabetes by Heart initiative, by the AHA and American Diabetes Association. Target: Type 2 Diabetes puts the unparalleled expertise of the AHA to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.

“At Essentia, our priority is the health and well-being of our patients,” said Dr. Gratia Pitcher, chief medical officer at Essentia. “This is why we’ve made a commitment to turn Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines into lifelines. We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our execution of exceptional care through Target: Type 2 Diabetes. The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidence-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

Each year, program participants apply for award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality outpatient care for people with Type 2 diabetes.

“Organizations that participate in programs like this help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and can improve patient outcomes,” said Howard Haft, MD, MMM, CPE, FACPE, American Heart Association volunteer and former executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program with the Maryland Department of Health. “We are pleased to recognize Essentia Health for its commitment to quality care.”

Learn more about diabetes education at Essentia Health by visiting our website.