POTSDAM -- The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) has re-accredited Canton Potsdam Hospital Diabetes Self-Management Education program, according to Tracy Jarvis of the CPH corporate communications department.

“Reaccreditation … signifies the high quality of education provided and will continue to allow residents in and around the North Country additional access to critical diabetes education services,” Jarvis said. “Being reaccredited also means the service will continue to be recognized by Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance companies.”

Diabetes education is where people with, or at risk for, diabetes learn to self-manage the disease and its related conditions.

“Studies have shown that an individual’s average blood sugar levels (hemoglobin A1c) can be significantly reduced through proper self-management. My goal is to provide my patients with the continuing education and training that allows them to monitor and manage their disease more effectively,” said Katherine Calcagno, diabetic educator and program coordinator. “In addition to reducing their risk of kidney, heart, and other diseases (caused by under-managed diabetes), patients notice an improvement in their quality of life upon starting the program. Self-management doesn’t have to be complicated; it needs to be consistent and it needs to be a priority.”

To make an appointment with Calcagno, people can ask for a referral through their physician or provider or call her at 261-5393.