USF Diabetes Center Offers Free Courses

Diabetes education is essential for all people with diabetes. Learning to take care of yourself when you have diabetes can help reduce your risk of complications related to the disease and can help you feel better. You can take charge of diabetes.  Some of the courses offered include Diabetes Therapy and Insulin Pump Therapy.

You will need a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner to attend diabetes education, as required by many insurance companies. Medicare and most private insurances reimburse for diabetes education. Call your insurance plan and ask how diabetes education is covered as a benefit. To inquire about scheduling classes or individual education, or to obtain a blank referral form for your provider, please call the USF Scheduling Department at (813) 974-2201.  For further information about the program, please call the Diabetes Center at (813) 974-5734.

The Diabetes Education Program of the USF Diabetes Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Training.

Free Diabetic Foot Testing Kits

Tampa based medical device manufacturer Anodyne Therapy LLC, will mark World Diabetes Day by providing up to 2,000 free diabetic foot testing kits in an effort to raise awareness on foot complications in those with diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that the number of people with diabetes continues to grow exponentially - with more than 440 million people estimated to be affected globally in the next 20 years.

“Foot complications such as non-healing ulcers, pain and fractures will plague up to 60-70% of those diagnosed with diabetes, and are typically a result of the loss of normal sensation to pressure, pain, and/or temperature” explains Dr. Sarnarendra Miranpuri, DPM, MD. “It is this loss of protective sensation that puts people with diabetes at a greater risk for foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation if not promptly and properly treated."

Despite these risks, a survey compiled by the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that less than 56% of all diabetic patients visit a Podiatrist to receive an annual foot examination. “Research suggests that this simple but comprehensive annual exam can significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing foot complications, and when combined with a multidisciplinary approach, up to 85% of amputations can actually be avoided,” adds Dr. Miranpuri.  

2,000 of the foot testing kits will be available FREE on a first-call, first-serve basis from November 14th (World Diabetes Day) through November 18th. Included in the kit will be a 10 gram monofilament, evaluation form and a practical guide to living with diabetes that includes routine foot care recommendations. Interested people with diabetes should call 1-800-521-6664 or visit http://www.anodynetherapy.com/diabetesday to request their free kit.