While Hoag ranks nationally for all types of diabetes and endocrinology care, the hospital’s Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center features a community hub that caters to people living with the rarer and more commonly misunderstood form of diabetes – Type 1 (T1D).
For these patients, the Center has long been a place for emotional support, networking, social outreach and empathetic medical care through programs like the Herbert Family Program for Young Adults with T1D.
“People know Hoag as a place where they can receive comprehensive, cutting-edge medical care. We have access to clinical trials that few medical centers in the nation provide. But what surprises people is just how connected we are with all the diabetes partners in the community, including CHOC Children’s Hospital, the PADRE Foundation and JDRF,” said David Ahn, M.D., program director of the Center.
In addition to community outreach and social networking events, the Center also offers traditional clinical services, dietitians, nurse educators, health coaches, support groups, pump trainings, and a specialized pharmacist – as well as access to cutting-edge technology through clinical trials.
“It’s exciting to be on the cusp of these products,” Dr. Ahn said. “With clinical trials, we’re able to offer products before they’re on the market.”
But the heart and soul of the Center remains the community connections.
People who come to the Center for care or resources appreciate that several of the caregivers and staffers have Type 1 Diabetes themselves.
“Having a network of people who fully understand their condition has been invaluable to patients,” Dr. Ahn said. “Even for me, as an endocrinologist who is deeply involved in diabetes technology, I don’t know how it feels to have a low blood sugar or wear a medical device 24-7. Being able to have someone who understands the day-to-day struggles is incredible for our patients.”
“Not a lot of places provide patients with access to a specialized dietitian, let alone one who has the same chronic condition that you do,” Dr. Ahn said. “People come to our events, and we really get to know them. They’re part of our community.”
Recently a young woman attended a Zoom meeting from her college dorm room, told her friends back home how difficult it has been to settle into a new city, especially during quarantine. She told her support group that she was thankful to be able to connect virtually with her friends at the Center.
“We’re able to provide everything, medical care, emotional support, education, social connections,” Dr. Ahn said. “There is no reason that we can’t be there for them for rest of their lives.”
For more information, call 888-403-9149.
*This image was taken pre-COVID.
