From: Sathmary, Stephanie [Sathmary.Stephanie@scrippshealth.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 13, 2004 4:29 PM
To: 'FDADocket@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: 2004N-0086

To Whom it may concern:

Thank you for bringing diabetes to the forefront.

I am a RN-Diabetes Educator in San Diego CA. Our region has a high
population of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. There are several
issues that remain a problem in caring for some of these people. The issues
for those with insurance include: some insurance companies do not pay for
diabetes education classes and counseling (may only pay for treatment), many
insurance companies will not pay for insulin pens (very useful for the
elderly and those with low vision), some insurance companies will not cover
gestational diabetic supplies and education. The uninsured of course have
problems obtaining medical care, diabetes medications and blood glucose
monitoring devices, and education and follow up. I work both in an
outpatient and hospital setting, and have volunteered at a "free clinic"
with UCSD,  and I have personnally seen the devasting physical-emotional
effects of inadequate health care for the person wit diabetes and their
families.

Thank you so much for looking into positive solutions to address these
important diabetes issues.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Sathmary Decker RN CDE
Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-626-6381

"Scripps Information Security" 
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