Patients Join MNCOME healthcare team in ADA's Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Event Oct. 6

Contact: Aimee Gonzalez

651-379-1600                                                                  

agonzalez.mncome@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                             Patients Join Healthcare Team in Walk for Diabetes

Patients are joining their healthcare team outside of the doctor’s office to raise money for diabetes research this Saturday, October 6^th.  Physicians, diabetes educators, nurses and staff from the Minnesota Center for Obesity, Metabolism and Endocrinology (MNCOME) will participate in the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes event in Stillwater. This is the second year that the Eagan-based clinic has hosted a team and the first year that it has invited patients to be part of this effort.

MNCOME is called a center because it spearheads research and develops educational materials in addition to providing patient care in a clinical setting. It has also been a leader in the community, from helping form grassroots organizations that address urgent healthcare policy issues such as the obesity epidemic and physician-industry relationships to collaborating with Dakota County to create a healthy living and wellness initiative for local school districts. Last year it added the Step Out walk to its list of community activities.

It was only natural to include patients in Team MNCOME starting with this year’s Step Out walk: they are already part of team MNCOME. When they come in for each appointment, they have a team of providers and educators ready to help them set goals to achieve a healthier self, guide them in making lifestyle changes, and provide support along the way. When patients attend MNCOME’s diabetes or weight management classes they meet other patients who are in the same place they are and can provide insight and encouragement.

With an opportunity to include patients in physical activity that is also fun, MNCOME not only works to end a disease that is too prevalent but also, well, walks the walk.