The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center is making extraordinary strides in helping patients manage their disease. The Center, which combines unprecedented family-oriented patient care and education with world-class diabetes treatment and research programs, has been named one of three "Diabetes Centers of Excellence" in New York State.

Diabetes affects virtually every aspect of patients' lives -- and the lives of their families. Out of concern for their loved ones, family members often feel frightened, confused, frustrated and sometimes even angry.

What makes this center unique is its special focus on families -- a concept that differentiates it from almost every other diabetes treatment facility in America. People with diabetes are encouraged to involve their entire families in the treatment process. Parents, spouses, children and other family members meet with a team of talented specialists including endocrinologists, nurse educators, nutritionists, and family therapists, all under one roof, to share in the goal of preventing the serious complications that can accompany diabetes.

According to research conducted at the Center, this family-oriented approach shows promise. Findings from a study of the first 100 families treated at the Center show the multidisciplinary treatment approach with attention to family dynamics and education is successful in bringing patients' blood sugars down to normal ranges. Future research will explore whether this family-oriented approach reduces rates of diabetes complications, hospitalizations or costs.

The Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center offers its patients individual case managers who work closely with each patient to ensure the most coordinated care possible. Optimal diabetes care demands consistent coordination among the primary physician, specialists, the person with diabetes and his or her family.

Once patients are in the Center, they have a wealth of resources available to them. Patient education is available in many forms, from one-on-one meetings with nurse educators, to nutrition counseling, to educational materials. Because patients often see several clinicians during one visit, appointments at the Center can last longer than a "general" office visit, and snacks may be necessary. A fully equipped pantry offers nutritional education, as well as healthful, diabetes-friendly snacks for waiting patients. In addition, the waiting room includes an area for patients and family members to do homework or use the telephone or computer.

Children are treated on separate days from adults at the Center, which includes a child-friendly waiting area. Toys, interactive games, art supplies, chalkboards, computers and television keep kids entertained and educated while they wait for appointments or for their parents.

The Center also houses the Becton Dickinson Family Learning Center, which provides information to help patients and families manage diabetes. An interactive education wall employs a range of multimedia equipment -- computers, educational software, videos about Columbia research, and printed materials -- that allow patients to select information specifically targeted to their individual needs. The wall also houses a rotating exhibit of printed materials which change each month.

An important but less visible element of the Center is its research facility. Led by Dr. Rudolph Leibel, the Research Center is comprised of world-renowned physicians and scientists. Dr. Leibel focuses on the genetics of diabetes. Other researchers specialize in the prevention of the vascular complications of diabetes, and atherosclerosis and lipid disorders in people with diabetes. Advances made at the research bench will be made available to the patients at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center as rapidly as possible.