Elaine Drew

BRIDGTON —  The Bridgton Hospital Diabetes Clinic has achieved accreditation by the Association of Diabetes and Education Specialists.

Accreditation represents a high level of quality and service to the community and the ability to better meet the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes in Western Maine, according to a news release from Central Maine Healthcare, of which Bridgton Hospital in a part.

“It’s my passion,” said Elaine Drew, who has been a diabetes educator at the hospital for 34 years. “I have great support here and I feel like we do so much for the community to help people manage their diabetes, prevent it, or if they have it, control it.”

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputation and the onset of adult blindness. But Drew said those who have or are at risk for the disease have more control over it than they may realize.

“Diabetes is a disease you can control,” Drew said. “We’re not asking people with diabetes really to do anything different than what we’re asking of the average American: eat healthy, exercise daily and avoid alcohol. If you do all those, you can live a very healthy life.”