A group of Virginia Mason patients from Federal Way have much to smile about after joining the clinic's group sessions for patients with diabetes. Prior to the sessions, each patient had blood work drawn as a benchmark to measure their improvement in controlling diabetes. The standard Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) blood test measures the percentage of glucose, or sugar, attached to red blood cells in the bloodstream.

"This particular group had terrible numbers," says Josie Silver, RN, CDE, who leads the group sessions. "I was quite worried about their risk factors for heart disease and stroke."

The 90-minute group sessions provide patients with practical information, tools and choices to help patients reduce their blood glucose levels.

"People diagnosed with diabetes want to know what to eat, how to shop for food, what to order in a restaurant," adds Silver.

"These simple tips can make a huge difference with controlling diabetes."

After only two months, Silver's group showed remarkable results.

The goal for diabetes patients is to reach an HbA1c of below 7.0. One patient in the group dropped from 15.1 to 8.3, another from 11.8 to 6.5 and a third dropped from 10.1 to 7.6.

"All the members of this group made improvements in lowering blood-sugar levels," says Silver. "I am so proud of these folks. They are proof that success starts with using the information and believing in yourself."