Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center 2023 AREA UPDATE
Dear Friends, The impact that diabetes and obesity have on our population is astounding and requires diligent clinical and educational resources. With continued philanthropic support, the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center is realizing the next step in our vision to provide world-class care for patients with diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders. In 2023, the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center expanded and evolved in many exciting ways that I want to personally share with you in the following pages, including: •
We have proudly launched the Metabolism & Weight Management Center at Hoag. It offers physician-supervised medical weight management to help patients lose and maintain weight loss. Our center is focused on a combination therapy approach, including lifestyle changes, exercise, nutrition, education, medication, and, sometimes, surgery.
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David Ahn, MD, Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care, was promoted to chief of diabetes services at Hoag. I have had the honor to work closely with Dr. Ahn over the past several years, and we have elevated the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center to a nationally ranked center of excellence for diabetes and endocrinology care. I appreciate his leadership and extraordinary level of care and commitment to the community.
The cohesive team at our two centers will provide clinical care, education, support services, research, and clinical trials for patients with diabetes and obesity. Through collaboration with other institutes to provide advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate care from our team of experts, we believe we can make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and the community. But we can’t do it alone. Our two centers wouldn’t be where they are today without the support of Hoag’s administration, the Hoag Hospital Foundation, and our generous donors. I appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration and look forward to your partnership as we realize the next phase of our vision in making a positive difference in the lives of people with diabetes, at risk for diabetes, and battling obesity. With gratitude, Kris V. Iyer, MD, FACP, FACE Senior Vice President, Chief Physician Development Officer, Hoag Clinic
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Annual Impact by the Numbers 2,400 + type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes
patients served with type 1 diabetes,
17 diabetes community education events held 36 for type 1 diabetes/pregnancy
virtual support group gatherings held
9 research trials babies born at normal weight from 92% mothers with gestational diabetes
9,000+ patient visits conducted 524 8.2% - 7% 80%
expectant mothers with gestational diabetes cared for
average improvement of starting A1C within 6 months for new patients patients using continuous glucose monitors and/or insulin pumps, improving diabetes control
75% operating costs covered by philanthropy
Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center David Ahn, MD Named Chief of Diabetes Services at Hoag Dr. Ahn, Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care, has been named chief of diabetes services at Hoag. In his expanded role, Dr. Ahn will provide clinical oversight for all diabetes services at Hoag—within the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center, the Metabolism & Weight Management Center, and hospitals in Newport Beach and Irvine.
Our team works seamlessly together to make diabetes management easier for both the patient and their caregivers. Having personalized support services in addition to clinical ones is only possible because of philanthropic support.” David Ahn, MD Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care Chief of Diabetes Services
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Launch of the Metabolism & Weight Management Center Through a partnership of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center and newly established Metabolism & Weight Management Center at Hoag, our team provides clinical, educational, and support services to improve self-management and quality of life for people with prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders. Weight reduction is emerging as the cornerstone of preventing and managing type 2 diabetes; with our new center, we are truly providing a comprehensive approach to diabetes and metabolism.
Shared Services | Diabetes Center and Metabolism & Weight Management Center Education services: individual and group classes, dietitian services, and insulin pump and sensor training
Clinical care: endocrine consults, inpatient care, glucose tolerance testing, telehealth
Community support: Sweet Life cooking demonstrations, support groups, community outreach, and partnerships
Clinical research: medication trials and medical device studies
Specialized Diabetes Care Ueberroth Family Program for Women with Diabetes — for care before, during, and after pregnancy. Up to 10 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Furthermore, about 50 percent of women with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but it can be prevented. Hoag has the second-highest birthing volume in California, making these services vital. The Ueberroth Family Program offers pre-conception counseling, counseling for pregnant women with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, and postpartum and social support.
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Mary & Lee Iacocca Program in Type 1 Diabetes — provides patient-centered care and is one of the largest diabetes education programs in Southern California. Thanks to the generosity of the program’s namesake, it provides education and support with diabetes self-management, medical nutrition therapy, and other resources for life stages. The team consists of diabetes educators, nurses, dietitians, a pharmacists, and more. Several team members live with type 1 diabetes themselves, and therefore have first-hand experience with this condition. Type 1 diabetes patients have traveled to Hoag from 20 counties in California and 23 states across the United States. Transition Program — for young adults transitioning from pediatric care with CHOC to adult diabetes care. Hoag continues to house a CHOC diabetes clinic in our Newport Beach office, which conducted over 2,000 visits last year. Emerging adults progressing from pediatrics to adult care often face challenges, including assuming independent care for diabetes, working with new providers, and overcoming related psychosocial issues, especially while maintaining work- or school-life balance. Unsurprisingly, glycemic control in emerging adults with diabetes is amongst the worst in all age groups. In 2023, Hoag and CHOC continued their collaboration to grow this program, which connects patients with a transition coordinator who can help them establish care with a physician in adulthood and create progress goals.
International Presentations and Scholarly Pursuits Thanks to philanthropic support, the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center team has been able to speak at renowned functions and take part in important groups with major organizations across the globe to push forward diabetes care.
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Hoag’s experts have participated in: • Diabetes Technology Society’s 23rd Annual Diabetes
Technology Meeting (Virtual) • American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Sessions in San Diego, California • JDRF’s (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) TypeOneNation Summit • 16th International Conference on Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes in Berlin, Germany • International Diabetes Federation’s World Diabetes Congress in Lisbon, Portugal
Hoag’s experts collaborate with: • Lilly, a pharmaceutical company developing a connected pen device
to assist with diabetes care • Endocrine University® • Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists • American Public Health Association • American Association of Clinical Endocrinology • Diabetes Technology Society • European Society of Endocrinology
Dedication to Innovation and Research Your generosity allows Dr. Ahn to have dedicated non-clinical days each week when he can focus on clinical research. This ensures Hoag stays at the forefront of diabetes care technology and methods and that patients receive the best treatment available.
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Artificial intelligence-based retina screening cameras: Our diabetes experts use retina screening cameras with EyeArt® technology, transforming the method of detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR). This condition is the leading cause of blindness worldwide for working age adults. Hoag was one of the first in Orange County to adopt EyeArt® technology, the first FDA-cleared artificial intelligence technology that can quickly detect this condition independent of an ophthalmologist.
Diamyd® trial: This is a groundbreaking trial that is changing the course of type 1 diabetes progression in patients. The trial is evaluating a novel medication that aims to delay the progression of type 1 diabetes, which would make a dramatic impact on those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hoag is one of just 12 sites—alongside Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Barbara Davis Center, and the Joslin Diabetes Center— across the country to participate in this trial, in which up to six patients use this medication over a 26-month period. The drug’s potential to delay type 1 diabetes may provide patients with months to years without the burdens of the disease.
Patient Spotlight | Katie Selway When Katie Selway was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 26 years old, her first experiences with endocrinologists were discouraging. The first guidance she was given was about her limitations. “They really made me feel like I couldn’t eat this, and I shouldn’t do that,” Katie said. But her journey changed when she came to Hoag. “Thankfully, I found the Allen Diabetes Center and Dr. Ahn.” At the center, she found an array of resources, a compassionate team, a champion in Dr. Ahn, and, finally, a positive outlook on her life ahead with diabetes. With Dr. Ahn’s personalized approach, Katie also found herself supported during another journey: motherhood. This involved guidance of her diabetes maintenance during the stages of in vitro fertilization. “I worked really closely with Dr. Ahn to figure out different dosing, how to read my charts, and to really take ownership of my own treatment plan.” Her daughter is now two years old. She appreciates Dr. Ahn’s enthusiasm for new diabetes technology and treatments, especially how he collaborates with her to try the latest offerings. “I am forever grateful because I’ve been able to take ownership of this disease and not be held back,” Katie said.
I worked really closely with Dr. Ahn to figure out different dosing, how to read my charts, and to really take ownership of my own treatment plan." Katie Selway Grateful Patient MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Staff Spotlight | David Mina, MPH Health & Wellness Program Coordinator As a Health & Wellness Program coordinator, David supports people living with diabetes through the center’s specialized programs and support groups. What makes the center’s approach to diabetes care unique is the emphasis on psychosocial support and resources, which are just as important to an individual’s well-being as their clinical care. With philanthropic support, Hoag recruited David to continue delivering these nurturing lifelines for people of all ages. “It’s about meeting people where they are in their journey. Our groups talk about the emotional elements to managing the disease, the various medical devices available nowadays, ways in which we feel the most supported, and everyone learns from each other’s experiences,” David said. “I always want these groups to be safe spaces where people living with diabetes feel supported and heard.” As someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes since age 11, David knows how important and beneficial it is to be surrounded by people with similar experiences. “When I was growing up, sometimes, it felt like I was the only one with type 1 diabetes. Some may feel depressed and alone at times, and what I personally found later was that I was craving community,” David said. “Going to various events and meetups with people living with diabetes shifted my perspective. That’s why it’s so important that Hoag has programs and groups like this.” David decided to pursue a career where he could be that supportive colleague, team player, and friend. He received his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the Loma Linda University School of Public Health and is now in the process of becoming a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). In his first few months at Hoag, David has been acquainted with the namesakes of the center, Mary and Dick Allen, and attributes their warmth to the atmosphere of teamwork and community. “They’re very involved and interested in what’s happening, and I think that’s so unique.”
New Endeavors Diabetes Bridge Program Studies show that through close monitoring and education, clinical outcomes and overall quality of care are improved. Hoag’s new Diabetes Bridge Program has brought a new care model that will increase patient access to care by making an ambulatory care pharmacist available to patients in addition to seeing an endocrinologist. This program, which has facilitated over 500 patient visits since its creation, will help people see a clinical partner sooner and develop their care plans faster. This is especially helpful when a patient is discharged from the hospital, needs to start medication and insulin regimens, and requires training to use insulin pumps. Diabetes Bridge Program Clinical Specialist Amanda Tran, PharmD, BCACP, APh, CDCES Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Dr. Amanda Tran joined the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center in September 2022 as an ambulatory care pharmacist. Dr. Tran is helping shape Hoag’s nationally ranked inpatient diabetes program, which provides continuous training to clinicians on how to provide care for the unique needs of diabetes patients.
MARY & DICK ALLEN DIABETES CENTER | 2023 AREA UPDATE
Inpatient Glycemic Committee The Inpatient Glycemic Committee was relaunched and enhanced to review and address the management of diabetes patients in the hospital. The group includes endocrinologists, hospitalists, pharmacists, floor nurses, business analytics, case managers, and diabetes educators who meet every other month to review how Hoag handled diabetes cases and the quality of care each person received. The committee aims to ensure diabetes care is as seamless as it can be while patients are admitted at our campuses. Currently, one initiative of the committee is testing the use of continuous glucose monitors on certain patients with diabetes while they’re admitted. With this consistent monitoring of diabetes patients, floor nurses can receive a full, real-time picture of a patient’s blood sugar level, allowing for more personalized and informed clinical care.