(NAPSA)—A chronic condition could be better controlled, with help from a surprising source. The problem: From hospital stays to glucose test strips, people with diabetes spend an average of 500 percent more on medical expenses every year, compared to Americans without the disease. More than $1 of every $10 spent on health care in America is attributed to diabetes. A solution: Many doctors recommend that those individuals who areafflicted with diabetes practice simple self-management techniques, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, monitoring blood sugar levels and, in some cases, taking medication. Not only does self-management empowerthe patient to take control of the disease, it can also reduce medical expenses such as averting unexpected trips to the emergency room. In 2002, more than $91.8 billion was spent on diabetes-related medical expenses, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Living with diabetes means the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Some complications that can result from diabetes include: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, nervous system disorders and amputations. “Although regular doctor’s visits are important to managing diabetes, taking on the responsibility to self-manage the disease on a dayto-day basisis critical,” said James A. Horbowiez, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years and is Chair of the Board for the American Diabetes Association. “Patients who diligently manage their condition can enjoy better long-term health.” The key to successful self-management is organization. Many doctors recommend diabetes patients keep daily records of their diet, appointments, exercise routines and medications using a notebook or journal. Patients often use personal planners or diaries to monitor their condition. Others keep a folder with slips of paperand notes. Until now, a formalized management system didn’t exist. Through a partnership with the American Diabetes Association and Day-Timers, Inc., the leading manufacturer of personal organization and time management tools, a new self-managementtool has been introduced. Called the Day-Timer Diabetes Management Planner, an industry first, this new system merges a personal day planner with custom sections created specifically for individuals with diabetes. The key benefit of the Diabetes Management Planner is that it serves as a central location for tracking all the details a person with diabetes monitors on a daily basis. By comprehensively monitoring the disease, the Diabetes Management Planner can help change the way these individuals live with their disease. The planner follows a typical appointment book layout, but offers additional sections to assist patients in tracking doctor visits, food intake, exercise plans, medication schedules and blood sugartesting. In addition, the planner includes a pouch to store test strips and blood sugar meters and is packaged in a zippered binder that keeps everything securely in place. “According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for every $1 invested in learning to selfmanage diabetes, you can reduce your healthcare costs by as much as $8.76,” Horbowiez said. “Purchasing a tool like the Diabetes Management Planneris a relatively small investment that can provide a big benefit in living an active life with diabetes.” To further the ADA’s ability to support people with diabetes, DayTimers will contribute 15 percent of sales from the Diabetes Management Plannerto the organization. The new Diabetes Management Planner is sold exclusively through the Day-Timer Web site and customer service center. To order the Diabetes Management Planner, visit www.daytimer.com/ diabetes or call 800-225-5384. For more information about diabetes, communicate with the ADA at 1- 800-DIABETES(1-800-342-2383) or at www.diabetes.org.
