Newsroom

2023 News Releases

May 16, 2023

Jedd Walker, FNP-CRocky Mountain Diabetes Welcomes Jedd Walker, FNP-C

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, announced that Jedd Walker, FNP-C will be joining the team of healthcare providers effective June 1, 2023.

Jedd has worked in a variety of capacities as both a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner.   He thrived within a home health care practice, the operating room of an oral surgery center, and a specialized nursing facility, where he advanced to the position of Director of Nursing.

As he joins the healthcare team of Rocky Mountain Diabetes, Jedd is excited to bring his rich and diverse experience to Idaho Falls.  According to Jedd, “At Rocky Mountain Diabetes, I can provide exceptional and compassionate care for all of my patients drawing from my extensive nursing experience.”

Jedd is now accepting patients.   Jedd is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.

 

May 10, 2023

Carl D Vance MDDr. Carl Vance Announces 3-Year Sabbatical

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, announced that Carl Vance, MD will be taking a 3-Year sabbatical beginning on July 1st, 2023.  Dr. Vance will be taking the sabbatical as he serves as a mission president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dr. Vance began his studies at Brigham Young University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics.   He then attended medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

After completing his internal medicine residency at Legacy Portland (Oregon) Hospitals, he completed his internal medicine board certification.   Dr. Vance has served the Idaho Falls area for nearly three decades as a doctor who has helped countless patients through his specialized practice of endocrinology, with a focus on diabetes and disease of the thyroid.

During his career, Dr. Vance has taken a special interest in clinical research. Dr. Vance has been the principal or sub investigator in over 350 research studies, which is a major part of the expertise cultivated at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.   Dr. Vance has shared the clinical research results and the developing understanding about diabetes, endocrine conditions and more, through over 40 publications and extensive lecture participation.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center anticipates his return in August, 2026.

March 19, 2023

Justin Rogers, FNP-C Joins the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Team

Justin Rogers, FNP-C - Nurse Practitioner in Idaho FallsIdaho Falls, Idaho – Justin Rogers, FNP-C has joined the team of healthcare professionals at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.  Bouncing from Gooding, Idaho to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Justin Rogers, a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-C), now rebounds to Idaho Falls.

While there were a few other locations Justin worked throughout his professional career, he is now back in Idaho, his home state.  It is at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, a nationally renowned diabetes and endocrine specialty practice, where he will be able to fulfill his life’s mission.  According to Rogers, “My life’s mission is to help alleviate pain and suffering from individuals seeking medical care for both acute and chronic illnesses.”

After graduating with a bachelor degree in nursing at Weber State University, Justin continued his education at Millersville University, which is located in Pennsylvania.  While earning his master degree and family nurse practitioner certification, Justin worked as a nurse at UPMC Harrisburg, a top-ranked emergency room, located in the heart of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  He continued his work as a nurse practitioner at UPMC Harrisburg until he moved his family to Idaho Falls.

Justin is now accepting patients and is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.

 

2022 News Releases

July 6, 2022

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Announces Arrival of Additional Specialist

Kevin Prier, MDIdaho Falls, Idaho –  Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is proud to announce the August 2022 arrival of Kevin Prier, MD.   Dr. Prier is dual specialized in internal medicine (adult medicine) and pediatrics.  His training in both adult medicine and pediatrics gives him a unique perspective on the care of patients with life-long medical diseases, such as diabetes.

After completing his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University (magna cum laude), Kevin attended and graduated from medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern where he was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

After medical school, Dr. Prier completed a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency at Duke University Medical Center where he received the YT Chen Award for excellence in patient care.

While at Duke, Dr. Prier was involved in quality improvement projects dealing with the appropriate use of aspirin for primary prevention in adults with and without diabetes. Dr. Prier has also presented additional research abstracts and presentations investigating conditions that included cardiovascular disease and severe atopic dermatitis. He participated in global health projects that included researching metabolic syndrome among adolescents and adults in mainland China.

See Dr. Prier’s full bio.

2021 News Releases

December 9, 2021

Becky Sulik Appointed as Chairperson for the CDCES National Certifying Body

Diabetes Educator - Becky SulikIdaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is proud to announce that Becky Sulik, RDN, LD, CDCES has been appointed as the 2022 chairperson for the national certifying organization for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) diabetes educator credential.  Her appointment will begin on January 1, 2022.

The CDCES board of directors provides strategic oversight of the CDCES certifying organization paying special attention to the quality of the unique credential.  Sulik states, “I feel it is a privilege and honor because having type 1 diabetes for many years, I personally benefitted from seeing a CDE (now called a CDCES).  I’m honored to be able to work with the board of directors and staff of CBDCE to continue to maintain the quality of the credential and ultimately benefit persons with diabetes.”

Sulik, who was also featured in the November/ December issue of Today’s Dietician Magazine states, “I am excited and privileged to be a part of the article and hope that my experience can benefit other professionals.”

See Sulik’s full bio.

About the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Credential

Nationally, there are nearly 20,000 certified diabetes care and education specialists providing care and education to people with diabetes related conditions. Sulik expresses, “There are so many amazing dietitians out there.  We have 8 dietitians that work for our clinic alone.  I’m always excited to connect with other dietitians as we always learn more when we collaborate.”

A certified diabetes care and education specialist is a health care professional who specializes and is certified to teach and care for people with diabetes related conditions. Their care and education services are centered on teaching people how to manage their unique condition.

At Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, CDCESs teach individuals with diabetes, in part, how to control their blood sugar and avoid long-term complications due to hyperglycemia.  A big part of their patient training includes the new technologies that are available for patients with diabetes.

Learn more about CDCES:

About the Transition from NCBDE to CBDCE

The certifying board for diabetes care and education  where Sulik will serve as Chairperson, used to be titled the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).  However, in recent years, the certified diabetes educator (CDE) credential was changed to certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES),  At that time, NCBDE also changed to CBDCE to better reflect the change in the credential.   Learn more about the CDE to CDCES transition.


November 18, 2021

New Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Brittany McintoshIdaho Falls, Idaho –  Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is pleased to announce the newest certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) in their diabetes education department is Brittany McIntosh RDN, LD, CDCES.  Brittany has worked at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center since 2005 and has been continually working on expanding her credentials to earn the prestigious CDCES certification in diabetes education.

Becky Sulik, director of education at the clinic states, “We are proud of Brittany for achieving the CDCES certification.  Earning this certification is no small achievement as it takes massive amounts of time and energy to attain.  Brittany will continue to be an incredible resource for Rocky Mountain Diabetes and the people of our community who struggle with diabetes, prediabetes and other diseases.”

About Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

A certified diabetes care and education specialist is a health care professional who is specialized and certified to care for and teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition. At Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, CDCESs teach individuals with diabetes how to control their blood sugar and avoid long-term complications due to hyperglycemia.  A big part of their training includes the new technologies that are available for patients with diabetes.

Lern more about the CDCES credential.  Learn more about Brittany.


 

November 1, 2021

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Makes A Unique Contribution for National Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes Awareness video seriesIdaho Falls, Idaho –  As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is making a unique contribution this year.  The contribution this year will be historical facts and knowledge of recent treatment advancements.  The daily facts have been released to all local news agencies and will also be posted on Rocky Mountain Diabetes social media pages.

Becky Sulik, director of education at the clinic states, “We want to talk about this year, 2021, because it was in the year 1921 when insulin was discovered.”  To bring awareness to the 100-year anniversary of insulin, a short video was created, highlighting the doctors that discovered insulin and the first patient to receive insulin.

The videos can be seen on the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Facebook and Instagram pages.  Each of the daily facts can be seen sequentially on their social media feeds and their Google My Business page.


 

October 2, 2021

Rocky Mountain Diabetes to Sponsor Halloween Event for Kid’s

Pediatric diabetes patient at Halloween event.Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center announced that they will sponsor the Camp Hodia Halloween event.  The event will be held at New Sweden Farms Pumpkin Patch located at 3512 West 17th South, Idaho Falls on Saturday, October 9th, from noon to 3 PM.  This and other events held throughout the year are organized for children with diabetes and are held throughout the state of Idaho.

In this event, there will be pumpkins, pony rides, sno-cones, and many other activities.  At these events held throughout the year, diabetes patients can participate, have fun together, and help people learn more about diabetes and nutrition.  This event was organized, in part, by pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Joshua Smith, of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.  A spokesperson for Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center states, “We are happy for Dr. Smith and his involvement in the Camp Hodia program and along with Dr. Smith, encourage children of all ages and their families to participate in these events.”

Learn more about this and other Camp Hodia events on their website.


 

June 15, 2021

Camps for Kids Open for Summer 2021

Children with diabetes compete in a camp gunny-sack race.Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center announced that the Camp Hodia Idaho dates have been released for the summer of 2021.  These camps are for children with diabetes and are held throughout the state of Idaho.

At these annual events, diabetes patients of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center and participants from the public enable children with diabetes to be able to enjoy a variety of camp games and activities.

These year-round camps and events, are sponsored by Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center as an outreach for children and families with diabetes to have fun together and help people learn more about diabetes and nutrition.

Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDCES, the Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center stated, “We are excited to announce this year’s schedule and also look forward to these events in East Idaho.”

Learn more about Camp Hodia on their website.


 

June 1, 2021

Diabetes Day at the ZooZoo Adventure Scheduled for August

Parents are Encouraged to Save the Date

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center announced the date of their annual Kids with Diabetes Zoo Adventure which will be held on Monday, August 16th, 2021.

This is an annual event held at Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls.  At the event, diabetes patients of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center and the public can participate in a variety of games, activities, and special animal encounters.

This annual event, sponsored by Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, is an outreach event to have fun and help people learn more about diabetes and nutrition.

Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDCES, the Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center stated, “We are excited to announce that we will be having our annual event [in 2021].”  She encourages everyone to save the date in their calendars and remember to attend.

 


April 6, 2021

Diabetes Education Advances Credentialing

Video Released to Illustrate the Difference

Diabetes EducatorIdaho Falls, Idaho – Certified Diabetes Educators help educate patients struggling with the daily challenges that accompany diabetes. People with diabetes need to follow careful practices each day to manage their health.   The certified diabetes educators at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center help people navigate through the maze of information and resources as they learn to cope with life with diabetes.  Yet, the care that they provide is widely unknown.

According to Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDCES, the Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, “Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists go beyond education as we also provide support and problem solving.  We answer difficult patient questions and provide assistance with the latest technologies that are available, like continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps.”

Even though the certification board modified the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential to Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) in 2019, the difference in the credential is not well known or recognized.  Because the new credentialing better reflects the expanding responsibilities of diabetes educators, Rocky Mountain Diabetes released a video to explain the difference.  The video can be viewed on the Rocky Mountain Diabetes YouTube channel with the video titled, Diabetes Educators – Taking it to a new level.

 


2020 News Releases

November 19, 2020

Rocky Mountain Pharmacy Now Open

Full-Service Pharmacy has a Diabetes Specialty Rocky Mountain Pharmacy

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Pharmacy announced, today that they are officially open for business.  The new pharmacy located in Idaho Falls at 3910 Washington Parkway, Suite A is a sister company to Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.  The new pharmacy is in the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Plaza and is adjacent to the medical offices of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.

Von Crofts, the general manager for the diabetes related family of businesses including Rocky Mountain Pharmacy, stated that, “We are excited to provide a fast and convenient location for patients to receive their medication.”

Crofts emphasized, “Even though we have a diabetes specialty, we fill prescriptions for most conditions and it is not a requirement to be a patient of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center to receive service.” Prescription questions can be answered by calling 208-528-9658.  More information can be found at RockyMountainPharmacyIdahoFalls.com.


March 30, 2020

Telemedicine Now Available

COVID-19

Risk-Free Appointments

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is enhancing and adjusting services to make it safer for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. To promote social distancing efforts telemedicine is now available. The service is considered an excellent option for those who are high-risk patients or simply feel more comfortable having their doctor’s appointment from the safety and comfort of their home.

To minimize exposure to COVID-19 Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has expanded their office policies. Patients are requested to do the following:

• Come alone to their visit if possible.

• For children or individuals who require assistance, we ask that only one adult visitor accompany the patient.

• If patients have been potentially been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of the disease, appointment rescheduling is required.

According to a Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center spokesman, “The telemedicine appointments can be accessed through our Healow App or our patient portal. It is important to know, however, that if lab work is needed, in-person appointments may be necessary.”


March 26, 2020

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Adjusts to COVID-19

COVID-19

Telemedicine Will be Available Soon

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is taking active measures to address the growing concern about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Von Crofts, General Manager of the clinic stated, “Our main focus is the safety and protection of our patients and providers from this fast-moving viral infection.”

To minimize exposure to COVID -19, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has implemented a few policies including vigilantly sanitizing their facilities throughout the workday and adjusting patient appointments. The following scheduling policies have been implemented:

• We request that patients come alone to their visit if possible.

• For children or individuals who require assistance, we ask that only one adult visitor accompany the patient.

• If patients have potentially been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of the disease, appointment rescheduling is required.

To support social distancing, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is also working on the implementation of telemedicine capabilities which will be available soon.


2019 News Releases

Kesta Taylor RD LD

December 11, 2019

Local Dietitian Reaches Milestone

Kesta Taylor is now a Certified Diabetes Educator

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is pleased to announce that Kesta Taylor has satisfied the requirements from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) and is now fully credentialed as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).

In order to become a CDE, Kesta met the eligibility requirements working in the healthcare professional as a dietitian, working for more than 1000 hours in the field of diabetes self-management education and finally, passing the CDE exam.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center now has five Certified Diabetes Educators and continues to work with patients educating them with healthy eating and diabetes self-management training.  “Kesta is an integral part of this service,” states a Rocky Mountain Diabetes spokesman.

 


November 14, 2019

World Diabetes Day

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Offers Free Risk Screening

Ammon, Idaho – As part of World Diabetes Day, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is sponsoring an event today between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Broulim’s in Ammon, Idaho.

As part of the diabetes awareness event, the Rocky Mountain Diabetes family of companies will be providing free diabetes screenings, diabetes education, and research study information to the public.

Our laboratory, Express Lab, will be providing the screenings and our diabetes educators will be answering questions about healthy eating and conducting “Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids” tours at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Rocky Mountain Clinical Research will have staff on hand to discuss current research studies and share the exciting advancements in diabetes management and care.

 


October 1, 2019Katy Nielsen

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Welcomes New Provider

 

Kathryn Nielsen, FNP Joins the Healthcare Team

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is proud to announce the addition of Kathryn “Katy” Nielsen, FNP to their diabetes-centered healthcare team as a certified family nurse practitioner. Katy is a Virginia native, but in 2016, she moved from Kentucky to Idaho Falls with her family.

Katy has a broad mix of experience both as a registered nurse and as a family nurse practitioner. Katy has worked in both hospital and private practice settings. She has extensive experience as an RN with intensive care patients. She worked in the adult ICU at Clark Memorial Hospital in Clarksville, Indiana for about 2 years. Subsequently, Katy worked with infants at Kosair Children’s Hospital (NICU) in Louisville, Kentucky for over 4 years.

As a family nurse practitioner, Katy has worked locally since 2016 in both primary and psych care. Joining Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in September of 2019, Katy brought her unique experience and has gelled very well within the specialized environment of diabetes care.


August 22, 2019

Greater Risk of Diabetes

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Offers Free Risk Screening

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Family members of those with type 1 diabetes have 15 times the risk of acquiring type 1 diabetes.  To combat the increased risk, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is offering a free type 1 diabetes risk-screening today.

The TrialNet screening reveals if a person is in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.  This simple blood test can identify up to five autoantibodies that signal an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.   The test is performed only on people between the ages of 2 ½ and 20 who have a sibling, child, parent, cousin, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, grandparent or half-sibling with type 1 diabetes. If a person tests positive, they are invited to participate in research that aims to prevent disease progression.

People interested in the study are encouraged to contact Kimberly Barbieri at 208-528-9643.

About TrialNet

TrialNet is an international network of leading academic institutions, physicians, scientists and healthcare teams dedicated to the prevention of type 1 diabetes. They offer risk screening for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes and innovative clinical studies to preserve insulin production.


Group of kids next to a zoo employee holding an owl.

August 16, 2019

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Sponsors Family Event

Children with Diabetes Enjoyed “Night at the Zoo 2019”

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Diabetes patients of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls, participated in a variety of games, activities, and special animal encounters at Tautphaus Park Zoo.

The event has been sponsored annually by Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center as a public and patient outreach to have fun and learn more about diabetes and nutrition.

Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDE, the Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has been an integral part of the activity along with her staff who makes it their life’s work to teach people healthy eating habits to successfully manage diabetes.

 


June 27, 2019

Ronda Harston RD LD CDE

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Announces Retirement

Ronda Harston Retires After 15 Years of Service

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Amid bittersweet emotions from many today, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center announces the retirement of long-time employee and registered dietitian, Ronda Harston, RD, LD, CDE.  Ronda is a certified diabetes educator who has been with Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center since 2004.

Ronda is a graduate of Ricks College and Brigham Young University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. She completed a dietetic internship in Portland, Oregon at the University of Oregon Hospitals and Clinics and became a registered dietitian. For Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, Ronda counseled patients to help them manage diabetes for optimum wellness through diet, exercise, proper use of medication, blood-glucose monitoring, etc.

She also taught and assisted patients on the proper use and management of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices. Rhonda treasures the long-term relationships she has had with her patients.  She sincerely enjoyed helping them implement changes which improved the quality of their lives. According to a Rocky Mountain Diabetes spokesman, “Rhonda will be dearly missed.”

Ronda plans on spending more time with her seven children and 13 grandchildren.  

 


June 24, 2019  

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Announces New Certified Diabetes Educator

Idaho Falls, Idaho –Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is pleased to announce the newest Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) in their Diabetes Education Department is Lisa Hardy.  Lisa has worked at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center since March 2013 and has been working on CDE certification since starting at the clinic. Becky Sulik, director of education at the clinic states, “We are proud of Lisa for achieving this milestone.  It takes a tremendous amount of time an energy to receive this prestigious certification. She will continue to be a tremendous team member and resource for Rocky Mountain Diabetes and the people of our community that struggle with diabetes, prediabetes, and other diseases.”

About Certified Diabetes Educators

A certified diabetes educator is a health care professional who is specialized and certified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition. At Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, CDEs teach individuals with diabetes how to control their blood sugar and avoid long-term complications due to hyperglycemia. In order to become a CDE one must meet the high-level eligibility requirements of the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE).   To qualify, one will have at least two years of professional experience with at least 1,000 hours of experience in diabetes education and at least 15 hours of continuing education related to diabetes annually.

Why Diabetes Educators are Important

Diabetes educators are trained to help people learn how to manage diabetes.  According to Dr. John Liljenquist, founder of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, “Research has repeatedly shown that aggressive management of blood sugar levels can prevent and even reverse some of the complications of diabetes. The foundation of such aggressive therapy is Diabetes Self-Management Education.  With no other major disease in our country, that I am aware of, do the patients themselves play such a pivotal role in the management of their disease. The diabetic patient has to follow careful nutrition guidelines, test blood-sugar levels, exercise, take medications, care for feet, and more on a daily basis. Without initial and then ongoing education, patients struggle to continue doing these challenging tasks. When they stop doing them, diabetes moves relentlessly to destroy their health.”


May 7, 2019

East Idaho’s First Automated Medical Lab 

Express Lab, of Rocky Mountain Diabetes, Completes Expansion

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Express Lab, a local medical laboratory of Rocky Mountain Diabetes, is excited to announce the completion of their automation project.  The Idaho Falls based laboratory, which has locations in Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Rexburg, began planning the laboratory expansion and automation nearly two years ago and began construction in September of 2018.

The automated laboratory is the first in East Idaho. The expansion nearly doubled the size of the laboratory and provided room for the automation equipment.  With the expansion, updated equipment for microbiology, hematology, and chemistry will be updated along with the robotic track system. According to Lori Leask, Express Lab Manager, the expansion and automation project was implemented to improve speed, efficiency, and accuracy.   Lori states, “Expanding allows us to continue to grow and meet the demands of our patients and healthcare providers.”

About the Automation Process

The automation, provided through Ortho Diagnostics based in Raritan, New Jersey, is leading edge technology. The system is modular and allows for additional growth in the future.   With this automation system, the specimen tubes are loaded and sorted robotically on to the processing track.   The tubes are then automatically transferred to a decapper and placed back on the track for distribution to individual analyzers.  When the testing is finished, the tubes are transported to a re-capping process and then to storage. The automation allows Express Lab to continually track specimens and repeat or add testing if needed, at a much faster pace.   The specialized automation streamlines our processes and helps our lab analyzers function more efficiently by utilizing software that can detect which analyzer is available to run the test at the fastest pace.  This eliminates bottlenecks and wait times on analyzers while it catalogs specimens for easy retrieval later. Results are then electronically transmitted back to the Express Lab computer system and then immediately sent to doctors or other healthcare providers.

How Automation Helps Doctors  and Patients

The new system will benefit patients and healthcare providers by providing the fastest possible turn-around for medical tests.  Also, in cases where the same blood sample or specimen requires additional testing, the system automatically retrieves the tubes and processes the additional testing. According to Leask, “By automating our lab system, we are able to keep our costs down and pass along those savings to our patients.”   Leask continues, “We are committed to helping keep the costs of medical care down and improving our service level to meet the high standards of the medical laboratory industry.”


March 13, 2019

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Recognizes National Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Day

Idaho Falls, Idaho – As part of National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is recognizing the registered dietitians who help spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has seven registered dietitians whom they recognize today.  They are Becky Sulik, Ronda Harston, Barbara Moulton, Kesta Taylor, Lisa Hardy, Brittany McIntosh, and our care coordinator, Chelsey Loftus. About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at eatright.org.


February 20, 2019

Governor Brad Little Signs Proclamation

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation recognizing Wednesday, February 20, 2019 as “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Contribution to Health Awareness Day” in Idaho. The proclamation was made to encourage dietary counseling with lifestyle modification by registered dietitians.   Registered dieticians not only reduce the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes and it’s complications but their efforts also save healthcare costs by an estimated four to one!

Diabetes Educators at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center


January 2, 2019

New Clinical Study Announced

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is Currently Enrolling in Many Studies

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has announced open enrollment of a study for the medication Tirzepatide.  People who have type 2 diabetes may qualify for the study and are encouraged to contact the research department of Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center for more information. The Rocky Mountain Diabetes research department is conducting several studies which are listed on their website.

About the Clinical Research Department

The Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center clinical research department is highly esteemed by producers of medications, insulin pumps and other modalities related to diabetes. We are highly sought after for our clinical research expertise. We currently have three physicians with extensive training and experience in overseeing subjects in clinical trials. Dr. John Liljenquist (emeritus) paved the way with these trials for over 30 years and has overseen hundreds of studies.


2018 News Releases

November 13, 2018

Free Blood Glucose Screening on World Diabetes Awareness Day

Idaho Falls, Idaho – As part of World Diabetes Awareness Day (Wednesday, November 14, 2018), Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is offering free diabetes screening tests from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Broulims grocery store located at 2730 E Sunnyside Road, Ammon, Idaho.  The event is being sponsored to raise awareness of diabetes.

About World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

About the Event

This is the second year in a row when Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center and Broulims are partnering to provide free blood glucose testing to the public.   Last year, the event drew about 100 people, who had their blood-glucose levels tested. While no diagnosis will be made at the event, the results of the blood glucose test will be provided and recommendations made. At the event, the following stations will be staffed:

Blood-Glucose Testing – Express Lab

Express Lab, a clinical laboratory located in Idaho Falls, will be providing the blood-glucose testing and providing results.

Diabetes Education   

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center’s diabetes educators will be available to provide information about diabetes, nutrition, meal planning and the latest in blood glucose monitoring options.

Diabetes Research 

Coordinators from the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center research department will be available to share information about current research studies that are taking place and answer questions about the latest in diabetes research.

TrialNet (TrialNet.org)

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is part of the TialNet network, which has the simple goal of building the path to a future without type 1 diabetes.  At the event, we will be providing free risk screening for individuals with close family members with type 1 diabetes. These screenings reveal if you are in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.


September 20, 2018

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Encourages Youth to Apply for DC trip to Meet With Members of Congress

Idaho Falls, Idaho –  Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, is encouraging youth ages 4 – 17 who have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) to apply for the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in 2019.  They will meet with members of congress as a state representative for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Delegates are needed from Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. JDRF is one of the leading global organizations whose fund-raising efforts are exclusively focused on accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D.

Every other year, JDRF accepts applications of youth from each state who are interested in telling their story to congress in an effort to secure funding for T1D research. JDRF pays for the travel expenses of the child and one parent to Washington, D.C.  They will attend events including the opportunity to meet with members of congress all organized by JDRF.  (Note: Other family members may attend at their own expense and some event participation may be limited.) To apply for the JDRF 2019 Children’s Congress, click here.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.  Their strength lies in their exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D.

Why We Fight Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. And, at present, there is no cure. In T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone the body needs to get energy from food. This means a process your body does naturally and automatically becomes something that now requires your daily attention and manual intervention. If you have T1D, you must constantly monitor your blood-sugar level, inject or infuse insulin through a pump, and carefully balance these insulin doses with your eating and activity throughout the day and night. However, insulin is not a cure for diabetes. Even with the most vigilant disease management, a significant portion of your day will be spent with either high or low blood-sugar levels. These fluctuations place people with T1D at risk for potentially life-threatening hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes as well as devastating long-term complications such as kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, blindness and amputation.


2017 News Releases

October 26, 2017

New Diabetes Tech Eliminates Routine Finger Sticks* for Americans

– Local Diabetes Testing Contributes to FDA Approval

by Lilly Diabetes Related Story on Local News 8 Corrections to article from local news 8: 1. Although during the course of the clinical trials subjects wore the sensor for longer durations of time, the Abbott Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is only approved by the FDA for 10-day use. 2. Currently the Abbott Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System is only approved in adults ages 18 and older. They are currently working on approval for younger populations, but this requires additional testing and research prior to FDA approval.

Idaho Falls, Idaho – October 26, 2017: Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls contributed to the clinical testing for a new glucose-sensing technology which could revolutionize diabetes care by eliminating the need for a diabetes patient to routinely prick their finger up to 12 times 1 a day to take blood-glucose measurements.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center was a testing site for one of the clinical trials that was used as part of the FDA submission for FreeStyle Libre System. Testing of the FreeStyle® Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System was performed in only seven locations across the country, including Rocky Mountain Diabetes of Idaho Falls.

The groundbreaking technology, developed by Abbott, eliminates the need for routine finger sticks* when checking glucose levels. There’s no need for finger stick calibration.  Glucose levels are read through a sensor that is worn on the back of the upper arm. The sensor is the longest lasting personal glucose sensor available in the U.S.  It lasts up to 10 days. The monitoring system received its FDA approval on September 27, 2017 and is expected to be available via prescription in the US before the end of the year at major retail pharmacies, according to Abbott.

For three decades those suffering from diabetes have been using a self-monitoring blood glucose finger sticks to collect blood samples. According to the American Diabetes Association, using finger-stick blood samples, test strips, and portable meters has significantly aided in the management of diabetes since its inception.

The traditional method of testing blood glucose levels using meters with a drop of blood, typically obtained from an individual’s fingertips, has been very helpful. It may, however, be painful and require strict discipline. Each meter needs a blood sample, usually obtained by pricking the finger with a lancing device. The sample is placed on a test strip which is inserted into a meter and then analyzed by that meter.

The FreeStyle ® Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System not only eliminates routine finger pricking* but is also much more convenient thus enhancing the lifestyle of a diabetes patient. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho began testing this glucose sensing technology in 2014 where they validated the accuracy of the device with diabetes patients. Under the direction of Dr. David Liljenquist of Rocky Mountain Diabetes, approximately 100 locals with  diabetes participated in the three-year trial. During the tests, patients would insert the device and then wear it for a specified period, having blood samples drawn over strategic time spans.

The data collected was compare with the established standard of glucose measurement and with the traditional finger prick method. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is excited to be a part of this technology because their patients get to experience new and exciting methods of measuring glucose as well as have access to more frequent care during a clinical trial. According to

Research Director Mark Sulik, Pharm D., CCRP at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, “By having our physician investigators participate in clinical trials they remain on the forefront of medical treatment and care. This knowledge and experience with new medications and devices means they are even better prepared to help and treat patients in the best and most cost effective manner. It is like the difference between reading a car review in consumer reports and actually having spent the past three to five years driving the car.” For more information about the product, visit the FreeStyle ® Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System website.

About Rocky Mountain Diabetes

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center of Idaho Falls is known among top pharmaceutical and medical device companies worldwide as a top-tier diabetes research location. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has been involved with over 250 clinical trials over the past two decades and has contributed to the recent FDA approval of the FreeStyle ® Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System which is the first continuous glucose monitoring system for adults, that does not require blood sample calibration. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is a local medical center specializing in internal medicine and its sub-specialty is endocrinology, which deals with disorders of the endocrine system. Typical conditions that are evaluated or treated by the Center include diabetes, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, hypertension, cholesterol (lipid) disorders, pituitary and adrenal disorders, obesity, infertility, and growth problems. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has carried out medical research in many endocrine-related clinical trials for various pharmaceutical and device manufacturers for more than 20 years. These clinical trials help bring to market new treatments and medications for diabetes.

About the FDA

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, promotes and protects the public health by, among other things, assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency is also responsible for the safety, security, and regulation of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and tobacco products. For more information about the FDA approval, visit the FDA official release. *Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see the “Check Blood Glucose” symbol.  This happens when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose. (American Diabetes Association Standards of medical care in diabetes, 2014.  Diabetes Care January 2014, v37 suppl1 s21-22).


October 24, 2017

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Dietitian and Nutrition Expert Presenting at the Type One Nation Summit

Becky Sulik RD LD CDEIdaho Falls, Idaho – Becky Sulik, a nutrition expert at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls will be providing a presentation on exercise and type 1 diabetes at the JDRF Type One Nation Summit being held in Sandy, Utah.

Becky is excited to present her educational expertise on nutrition and exercise at this free event being held from 9:00am until 3:00pm at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Conference Center located at 9750 South 300 West in Sandy, Utah.

The seminars, presentations and breakout sessions are open to the public and are geared to help those suffering from type 1 diabetes.

About Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDE

Becky is a licensed and registered dietitian, a certified diabetes educator, and a certified insulin pump trainer at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center. For over a decade, Becky has worked closely with physicians and patients to facilitate diabetes self-management education. She also serves as a study coordinator in the Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Clinical Research department, giving her the opportunity to work with many new diabetes medications and devices in the research setting. For more information about Becky visit her webpage:

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has a staff of board-certified experts, certified and licensed dietitians and clinical research professionals that carry out healthcare services, education, and medical research.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF has an exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D.  DRF is a non-profit organization that works every day to change the reality of this disease for millions of people—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research, advocating for government support of research and new therapies, ensuring new therapies come to market and connecting and engaging the T1D community.

Founded by parents determined to find a cure for their children with T1D, JDRF expanded through grassroots fundraising and advocacy efforts to become a powerhouse in the scientific community with dozens of U.S. locations and six international affiliates.  They funded more than $2 billion in research to date and made significant progress in understanding and fighting the disease. We must keep up the pace of funding so progress doesn’t slow or stop entirely.   For more information about JDRF, click here.


August 14, 2017

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Sponsor’s Zoo Day

Children and Teens Participate in a Fun-filled Diabetes Day Camp

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, is sponsoring a day at the Tautphaus Park Zoo for kids and teens with diabetes. Participants will not only be able to enjoy their time at the zoo but with also enjoy day camp activities designed to educate those people suffering from diabetes. Activities are scheduled between 11:00am and 2:00pm on August 14, 2017 at Tautphaus Park Zoo located at 2725 Carnival Way, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Discussions and educational activities will include proper eating habits and nutritional facts and the latest innovations in insulin pumps. Those attending will also have the opportunity to meet Dr. Joshua Smith, the regions only pediatric endocrinologist who only recently joined Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center.

About Dr. Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith, MD, MBA is a board-certified physician in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. Dr. Smith attended Brigham Young University where he received a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. After completion of medical school, he began his internship and residency in Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, Georgia and was named a fellow in Pediatric Endocrinology in 2014. Dr. Smith joined Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in January 2017.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is a local medical center that specializes in internal medicine and its sub-specialty endocrinology, which deals with disorders of the endocrine system. Typical conditions that are evaluated or treated include diabetes, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, hypertension, cholesterol (lipid) disorders, pituitary and adrenal disorders, obesity, infertility, and growth problems.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center carries out medical research in many endocrine-related clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies and provides comprehensive diabetes self-management education.


May 17, 2017

150 Idaho Falls Residents Celebrating Years of Successful Type 1 Diabetes Management Honored

by Lilly Diabetes Milestone event brings community together to celebrate managing challenges

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Living with diabetes requires constant effort and vigilant dedication. This week, 150 local residents with type 1 diabetes—most diagnosed as children—will be recognized with a Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards medal during a celebration event at 6:30pm, May 17, 2019 at the Bennion Student Union Building on the ISU – Idaho Falls campus.

The Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards program was established by Eli Lilly, grandson of Lilly’s founder, Col. Eli Lilly, in 1975 to recognize individuals who have successfully managed their diabetes with the help of insulin for 10, 25, 50, or 75 years or more. These local Journey Awards recipients will join the thousands of individuals who have received the honor since the award was first established.

The Idaho Falls Journey Awards ceremony will celebrate the significant journey people have taken to manage their type 1 diabetes with the help of insulin. With friends, family, physicians, and others in attendance, recipients will be presented with a custom-engraved medal, along with a congratulatory letter signed by Lilly’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Ricks. “Diabetes is a challenging disease to manage daily—there are no breaks—and to do it successfully over many years is an amazing accomplishment,” said Dave Noesges, vice president of U.S. Sales, Lilly Diabetes. “These Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards recipients are an inspiration to the millions of people with diabetes who are learning how to manage their disease.

By recognizing these recipients, we hope to embrace their hard work and inspire others to do the same.” These recipients were nominated by physicians or diabetes educators at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center with locations in Idaho Falls at 3910 Washington Parkway and Pocatello at 444 Hospital Way.  These  physicians and educators have played an integral role in helping these people manage their diabetes. Healthcare professionals may submit nominations or people may apply for a Journey Awards medal themselves online. Nominations and applications are currently for U.S. residents only.

About Diabetes

Approximately 29 million Americans1 and an estimated 415 million people worldwide have diabetes, and nearly 28 percent of Americans with diabetes—totaling 8 million people—are undiagnosed. In the U.S., approximately 12 percent of those aged 20 and older have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed adult diabetes cases in the U.S.1 Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.2

About Lilly Diabetes

Lilly Diabetes has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when it introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today it is building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio, and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—Lilly Diabetes strives to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, click here.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world.  It was founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today it remains true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit their website or newsroom.

About Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is a local medical center that specializes in internal medicine and its sub-specialty endocrinology, which deals with disorders of the endocrine system. Typical conditions that are evaluated or treated by the Center include diabetes, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, hypertension, cholesterol (lipid) disorders, pituitary and adrenal disorders, obesity, infertility, and growth problems. The Clinical Research department of Rocky Mountain Diabetes carries out medical research in many endocrine-related clinical trials for Lilly more than 10 years. These clinical trials bring to market new treatments and medications for diabetes.

To learn more about Rocky Mountian Diabetes Center, please visit rockymountaindiabetes.com. CR-LLY PP-LD- US-0956 9/2016 ©Lilly USA, LLC 2016. All rights reserved. 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/statsreport14/national-diabetes- report-web.pdf. October 2014. Accessed on August 28, 2016. 2 International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 7th ed. 2015 Update. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2015. http://www.idf.org/about-diabetes. Accessed on August 28, 2016.


May 16, 2017

Pediatric Endocrinology Expertise Arrives in East Idaho

Joshua Smith MD MBA Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, recently welcomed Dr. Joshua Smith, a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist. By hiring Dr. Smith, the practice brings additional expertise to the region and fills a void in the area. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center now has additional expertise focused specifically on pediatric diabetes and endocrinology diseases. According to Dr. Smith, endocrine disorders can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. If a child has abnormal growth, either growing too fast or not fast enough, there may be endocrine concerns. Other symptoms of endocrine disorders include continual thirst, rapid weight gain or loss, frequent urination, and fatigue. In young children, bed wetting after successful potty-training may also be a symptom. Dr. Smith enjoys seeing a variety of endocrine patients and visiting with their families. He places significant emphasis on teaching patients about their conditions, and informing them about what is happening with their bodies. Dr. Smith likes using technology to provide evidence-based, comprehensive care. He has a special interest in diabetes, endocrine effects of optic nerve hypoplasia, pubertal and growth disorders, adrenal conditions, and thyroid disease.

About Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is a local medical center that specializes in internal medicine and its sub-specialty endocrinology, which deals with disorders of the endocrine system. Typical conditions that are evaluated or treated include diabetes, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, hypertension, cholesterol (lipid) disorders, pituitary and adrenal disorders, obesity, infertility, and growth problems. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center carries out medical research in many endocrine-related clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies and provides comprehensive diabetes self-management education. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, please visit www.rockymountaindiabetes.com.


April 13, 2017

8 Local People with Diabetes Pilot New Self-Regulating Insulin Pump

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, based in Idaho Falls, is renowned worldwide as a diabetes research site having been involved with over 250 clinical trials over the past two decades. The center has earned notoriety with the likes of global pharmaceutical company Eli-Lilly (NYSE:LLY) and recently, Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), a multi-billion dollar global healthcare solutions company operating in over 160 countries. Medtronic, whose diabetes division develops insulin pumps, used Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center to provide clinical testing for their newest insulin pump, the MiniMed 670G, which is the first “hybrid closed loop” insulin pump.

While there are many different insulin pumps for people with type 1 diabetes to choose from, this device has the newest innovation using software to automatically read a person’s blood-glucose level. The pump’s software then makes a prediction whether the person’s level is trending too low or too high, and then automatically adjusts the insulin dose. WebMD said that this, “Automated insulin delivery system will ease some of the burden of living with the condition.” Medtronic submitted the device for FDA approval and received approval last fall, sooner than expected. The American Diabetes Association said, “We applaud the @US_FDA’s approval of the first hybrid insulin delivery system.”

 

Local Patients

The MiniMed 670G will be available soon to most patients; however, at a few locations thought the US, including Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls, a small number of patients are being given early access to this ground-breaking technology. The next closest location to date is Denver, Colorado.

On Thursday, April 13, 2017, eight patients will be receiving their new pumps and training at the center as part of this early access effort. Becky Sulik, RD, LD, CDE, Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center has been involved with patient training in some of the clinical trials for the MiniMed 670G. She states, “People with diabetes who must rely on insulin, struggle to maintain good control of their blood sugar levels in spite of their diligent efforts in testing blood sugars, counting carbohydrates, and dosing insulin appropriately. With this pump, they have the additional benefit of a continuous glucose monitor that helps adjust the insulin delivery to the many constantly changing variable that affect blood sugars from minute to minute.”

Dr. Joshua Smith, who is the regions only pediatric endocrinologist and recently joined Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center, states that, “Automation of this pump helps parents and children get more sleep. Many parents of children with diabetes are scared at night as their child goes to bed, fearing low blood sugar, so they wake up and check on the child throughout the night. The patient also gets more sleep as the pump automatically makes adjustments so they can sleep through the night. With this new pump, the automation minimizes the risk of low or high blood sugar affecting the patient as they sleep.” According to Dr. Smith, the MiniMed 670G is approved for teens 14 years or older.

Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center is currently involved with clinical trials for children younger than 14 years of age. Persons interested in learning more about this pump are invited to call Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center at 208-523-1122 and more information if forthcoming on our website.

What Others are Saying
References

https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-670g-insulin-pump-system

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