Most humans desire to live long, healthy lives. When a person is diagnosed with a chronic disease, the results can be overwhelming and frightening. The diabetes patient faces a multitude of areas that are directly or indirectly affected by their diagnosis. Without the proper skills and tools needed to cope with diabetes, patients make poor health choices, and the results can be devastating.

We at the Diabetes Care Center use a variety of assessment tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) form to survey and detect clients who may be experiencing depression, or may lack certain coping skills needed to effectively manage their diabetes. If a need is assessed that requires help beyond the scope of practice of our nurses and educators, we will refer the patient to the appropriate source of help.

We believe that clients who have the appropriate life management skills will live healthier lives, resulting in:

	Better blood glucose control
	Decreased incidence of diabetes related complications
	Decreased hospitalizations and emergency visits
	Increased energy
	Decreased risk of mortality
	Decreased risk of depression
	Better overall sense of well-being