AdventHealth Waterman named national leader in diabetes care
AdventHealth is one of only 36 hospitals nationwide to earn recognition from the American Diabetes Association and Leapfrog
AdventHealth Waterman team members left to right Kimberly Smith, certified diabetes care and education specialist; Rose Octave patient care tech and Courtney Aleman, LPN.
AdventHealth Waterman team members left to right Julia Hamilton, assistant chief nursing officer; Justin Mannick, operations quality improvement; Kimberly Smith, certified diabetes care and education specialist; Korey Hines, regulatory and quality improvement manager; Cara Anderson, quality, regulatory and risk management director; Lisa Bowman, chief nursing officer.
AdventHealth Waterman has been named a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes, a national designation awarded by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit patient safety organization. It’s a meaningful win for the thousands of Lake County residents who live with diabetes and seek care close to home.
The honor was given to just 36 hospitals across 12 states and highlights those going above and beyond to care for patients with diabetes, a chronic condition affecting more than 11% of Americans.
At AdventHealth Waterman alone, more than 6,400 patients with diabetes were admitted last year.
“This recognition is about more than a badge; it's about how we care for people,” said Kimberly Smith, a certified diabetes care and education specialist at AdventHealth Waterman. “We’re not just managing blood sugar. We’re walking alongside people who are managing a lifelong condition, and we focus on what matters most to our patients: feeling heard, supported, and confident in managing their health.”
The ADA and Leapfrog designation – now in its second year – evaluates hospitals based on how well they care for patients with diabetes from admission to discharge. The criteria focuses on safety, quality, and outcomes, with a goal of reducing complications like comas, amputations, and severe infections – risks that are higher for hospitalized patients with diabetes.
AdventHealth Waterman earned this status by exceeding national standards in several key areas, including:
- Comprehensive blood glucose monitoring
- Proven safety protocols for patients experiencing low blood sugar
- Surgical care tailored to patients with diabetes
- Expertly planned meals and insulin routines
- Discharge plans that help high-risk patients stay on track after leaving the hospital
“Every person who comes through our doors deserves care that’s as thoughtful as it is thorough,” said Smith. “Whether it’s planning meals or preparing for surgery, we look at the whole person, not just the numbers. That’s how we help people live well with diabetes.”
Abel Biri, president and CEO of AdventHealth Waterman, shared that the recognition is a testament to the hospital’s mission-driven approach to care.
“Our work doesn’t stop at the diagnosis,” said Biri. “We’re here to ensure our patients feel supported, understood and empowered every step of the way. Managing diabetes is a daily challenge for many, and we’re proud to stand alongside them on that
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Mental health support that meets college students where they are
Starting college is an exciting milestone. But it can also bring academic pressure, new relationships, greater independence and unfamiliar challenges.
News
Physician honored for faith, compassion and whole-person care across rural Appalachia
Longtime AdventHealth physician recognized for his commitment to faith, compassion and whole-person care in rural Appalachia.
News
5 months after an injury, this softball player was back on the field, achieving her dream
AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedics helped an local softball player get back on the field and live out her dreams with its system of connected care.
News
AdventHealth Littleton brings lifesaving training to Chatfield State Park
Free Stop the Bleed class helps Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers prepare for emergencies in the field and beyond.
News
Finding confidence and community during cancer treatment
After months of emotional upheaval and unexpected change, Christina Lee welcomed a chance to step away from cancer treatment and focus on herself.
Social Media Post
'To feel less alone': When mission brings comfort, connection and hope
At one of the lowest points in his life, a man noticed an AdventHealth behavioral health clinic and decided to walk in. That choice changed the direction of his life.
News
A critical emergency leads to lifesaving care and a grateful return
After a life-threatening emergency and 83 days of care, Charles Forth returned to AdventHealth Minneola to thank the team who gave him a chance.
Press Release
AdventHealth Sebring celebrates 14 residency graduates, strengthening the future of local care
AdventHealth Sebring recently celebrated 14 graduating resident physicians from its Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residency programs.
News
NASCAR driver brings book vending machine to St. Augustine elementary school
Students at John A. Crookshank Elementary School have a new way to celebrate good choices this school year: earning a book of their own.
Press Release
ICU nurse honored for clinical excellence, commitment to patient safety
AdventHealth Hendersonville recognizes ICU nurse Julia Greer with a DAISY Award for clinical excellence, compassionate care and commitment to patient safety.
News
More room for care: AdventHealth Daytona Beach completes major expansion
The completed project includes more than 100 new inpatient rooms, adds a dedicated neuro-ICU and expands surgical and critical care services for patients.
Media Coverage
When is the right time for a hip or knee replacement? An orthopedic surgeon explains
Orthopedic surgeon Justin LaReau, MD, talks about when the time is right for a hip or knee replacement and advancements in joint replacement surgery.