Launch of SPHERE Pre-Diabetes Program

Diabetes, as well as pre-diabetes, is growing worldwide; every year, 6-8% of people with pre-diabetes develop diabetes and in the periphery, the situation is particularly serious and intervention is crucial. The Russell Berry Galilee Diabetes SPHERE Initiative is determined to make a positive change.

On May 10, 2002, SPHERE, in collaboration with Clalit Health Services, Maccabi Health Services, and the Nazareth and Nof Hagalil Municipalities, launched an important project in  Nazareth to treat pre-diabetics and in so doing, fight the transition from pre-diabetes to the full-blown disease.

Clinical staff including some 50 family doctors, nurses, dietitians and social workers from Maccabi and Clalit - those at the forefront in the battle against diabetes - convened to learn about this intervention program that aims to reduce the transition from diabetes to diabetes by 50% via online measures and promoting healthy lifestyle changes.

The professionals will receive support and advice from an endocrinologist regarding pre-diabetes and obesity and a clinical pharmacist who will advise and accompany the course of treatment. Patients who will be eligible to join the program will receive an individualized and customized treatment package by a multi-professional team that includes a diabetes counselor, nurse, dietitian, and exercise counselor.

Prof. Naim Shehadeh, Director of SPHERE explains: "In order to reduce the number of diabetics, pre-diabetes is the most important risk group that we have chosen to focus on as a first intervention step by changing lifestyle and adding simple and inexpensive medications."

This important launch was also attended by Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Deputy Director of SPHERE; Dr. Rizan Sakhnini, Deputy director and district Pediatrician, Maccabi HealthCare, Northern District; and Dr. Yousef Awni, Deputy Director Northern Region and Director of Nazareth Towers, Clalit Health Services.

Visit the SPHERE Facebook page here.