South Carolina ranks tenth in the nation in the number of residents suffering from diabetes, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in South Carolina after heart disease, cancer, accidents, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease and Alzheimer’s.

“Diabetes is an extremely serious medical condition and its complications can result in early mortality and tremendous loss of quality of life,” said Ronald Mayfield, M.D., Director, Carolina’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology. “We see many patients who need to be educated in how to manage their diabetes and their health. It’s so important for them to see their primary care physician on a regular basis to ensure they are controlling their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and to detect complications early.”

Recently, numerous primary care physicians within the Regional Physician Network have been certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance through a partnership with the American Diabetes Association for the Diabetes Recognition program. This certification is designed to recognize physicians, and other clinicians, who use evidence-based measures and provide excellent care to their patients with diabetes.

The Diabetes Recognition program covers several areas such as blood pressure control, eye examinations as well as smoking status and cessation advice or treatment.

“We are thrilled for our physicians who have been recognized as providing top quality care to diabetes patients in our area,” said Stephen Thomas, M.D., Medical Director with the Regional Physician Network. “This achievement is a wonderful asset to our community.”

To see if your doctor is certified, please go to spartanburgregional.com and click on Find a Physician.