DHR Health Achieves Rare National Certification for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care
As the nation observes National Diabetes Month this November, DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas, has earned the prestigious Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Certification from The Joint Commission – a distinction held by fewer than 50 hospitals across the United States and only four in Texas. This achievement underscores the hospital system’s unwavering commitment to addressing the escalating diabetes crisis, particularly within the Rio Grande Valley.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 10 Americans live with diabetes. However, the prevalence is significantly higher in Texas, affecting 1 in 8 residents. The situation is particularly acute in the Rio Grande Valley, where an alarming 1 in 3 individuals are living with this chronic condition.
The Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Certification signifies that DHR Health provides a standard of care for hospitalized patients with diabetes that meets the highest national benchmarks. This includes comprehensive training for doctors and nurses in evidence-based practices designed to minimize complications, accelerate recovery, and empower patients with the knowledge and tools for effective self-management.
“This certification shows that our community does not have to travel far to find world-class diabetes care,” stated Dr. Marcel Twahirwa, endocrinologist and medical director of the DHR Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Institute. “We know how serious and widespread diabetes is in the Valley, and our team is committed to making sure every patient receives the safest, most effective care possible both in the hospital and in our outpatient clinic.”
DHR Health stands out among its peers in Texas. Of the four hospitals in the state to achieve this advanced certification, only two are acute care hospitals, with DHR Health being the sole large hospital system to earn the recognition. This positions DHR Health as a critical resource for Valley residents, offering access to specialized care that is uncommon nationwide.
Achieving this certification is no small feat. “Very few hospitals take on the work required to achieve this certification because it demands so much from every level of care,” explained Dr. Surya Narayan Mulukutla, endocrinologist and leader of the Inpatient Diabetes Program at DHR Health. “At DHR Health, our dedicated team welcomes that challenge because our patients deserve nothing less than the highest quality of diabetes care.”
Hospitalized patients with diabetes are particularly vulnerable, as the disease can compromise the immune system and impede healing, increasing the risk of severe health complications. The certification demonstrates DHR Health’s investment in the additional resources, training, and collaborative teamwork necessary to protect these patients and facilitate safer recoveries.
“Providing patients access to the best possible care is our top priority,” added Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health. “In a region where diabetes is highly prevalent, this achievement is proof that we are rising to meet the challenge and investing in our community’s health.”
This milestone reflects DHR Health’s ongoing dedication to excellence in patient care and its commitment to addressing the unique health needs of the Rio Grande Valley. The hospital’s proactive approach to diabetes management serves as a model for other healthcare providers and offers a beacon of hope for individuals and families affected by this widespread disease.
