Real World, Patient-Centered Diabetes Care

The Real World Diabetes program at The Eye Institute (TEI) of Drexel University is unique in that it not only includes a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), as many other diabetes education programs do, but also clinical providers representing an interprofessional health care team to share their expertise with program participants.

“Our sessions go beyond just nutrition, but also includes education about medications, physical activity, diabetes distress and other mental health components, and prevention of diabetes-related complications,” said Cara Orr, MS, MMS, PA-C, associate professor in the Salus at Drexel Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program and coordinator of the Real World Diabetes program

The next Real World Diabetes series will begin Monday, March 16, 2026, and run for eight consecutive weeks through May 4, 2026. The free sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at The Eye Institute, 1200 West Godfrey Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141.

The series includes a preventive health screening day where participants can receive a hearing evaluation, a foot exam, guidance on managing vision concerns, and biometric screenings to include blood pressure and HbA1c testing. 

The health science programs represented on Drexel University’s Elkins Park campus, including PA, optometry, audiology, orthotics and prosthetics, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and blindness and low vision, offer a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with patients. 

“Diabetes education is a highly effective component of diabetes management and recommended for all patients by the American Diabetes Association ®. The information shared in these sessions reinforce and goes beyond what patients learn from their health care providers,” said Orr. “When patients understand the many facets of their diabetes and how to best take care of themselves, they feel better and have better control of their blood sugars, which prevents diabetes-related complications.” 

The series dates and topics include:

• March 16, 2026 - What is Diabetes?
• March 23, 2026 - What's Cooking?
• March 30, 2026 - Dining with Diabetes
• April 6, 2026 - Feeling Good: Physically and Mentally
• April 13, 2026 - Preventing Complications: Throughout Your Body
• April 20, 2026 - Preventing Complications: Eyes and Ears
• April 27, 2026 - Whole Health Screening Day
• May 4, 2026 - SMART Goals and Behavior Change Techniques

According to Dr. Erin Draper an optometrist in the neuro-ophthalmic disease service at TEI, many of the past participants of the Real World Diabetes series are already patients at The Eye Institute, but the eye portion of the program provides an opportunity to educate participants about how diabetes affects the eyes. 

“Understanding diabetes helps patients understand why a minimum of an annual diabetic eye exam is recommended and the importance of regular eye care,” said Dr. Draper. “We discuss who is at the highest risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, which is information important not only for the patients in the program, but also for their family members. We also provide an open forum for patients to share their questions regarding their ocular health.” 

For more information or to register, call 215.276.6070 or email gym22@drexel.edu or md3893@drexel.edu. This is a free program open to all members of the surrounding communities.