The Diabetes Education Center at Iowa Methodist Medical Center started using a SMART board interactive whiteboard to help improve learning outcomes.  Approximately $1 in $10 healthcare dollars is attributed to diabetes. The total cost of diabetes for people in Iowa in 2006 is estimated at $1,467,000,000. This estimate includes excess medical costs of $991,000,000 attributed to diabetes, and lost productivity valued at $476,300,000. 

 Diabetes education is the key to improving a patient's quality of life and reducing the diabetes related healthcare costs.  Combining the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, the SMART Board interactive whiteboard lets you deliver dynamic lessons, write notes in digital ink, and save your work - all with the simple touch of a finger.  The components are connected wirelessly, via USB or serial cables. A projector connected to the computer displays the computer's desktop image on the interactive whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard accepts touch input from a finger, pen or other solid object.

 "We are excited to have this technology in our classroom at the Diabetes Educations Center," Sue Freeman, RN, Diabetes Education Center, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines. "We work to improve each person's quality of life. We believe that while diabetes cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed by learning important skills through education."

 The Diabetes Education Center at Iowa Methodist Medical Center utilizes a team-based approach to diabetes management. Staff includes nurses, dietitians and a secretary all working with each individual's physician to facilitate the common goal of successful diabetes management. The team of healthcare professionals offers information, instruction and support through educational programs and counseling sessions.