Pizza is not usually a go-to meal for diabetic patients – but thanks to a new program launched by Cape Regional Health System, people with Type 1 diabetes can learn how to enjoy a slice or two of pizza pie, safely.
Dr. Anita Raghuwanshi and Dr. Chris Zitnay of Cape Regional Physicians Associates Village Drive office hosted the first “Pizza Pump Party” at Nemo’s Pizza in Stone Harbor. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, both those who use an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar level and those considering using a pump, were invited to enjoy a slice of pizza while learning how to accurately and safely monitor their blood sugar.
“Pump life is not something you can truly comprehend unless you have Type 1 Diabetes, or love someone who has Type 1,” said Dr. Raghuwanshi. “I wanted to do something that would be a celebration for the Type 1 patients. So I thought: What is the hardest thing for a Type 1 diabetic to eat? Pizza! Because pizza is a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fat, it is one of the most difficult foods to accurately dose for as a Type 1.”
Drs. Raghuwanshi and Zitnay taught participants an advanced pump trick called a dual-wave bolus while the group snacked on free pizza. Dr. Raghuwanshi, who originated the pizza pump party program at her previous practice in Delaware, was eager to bring the lessons and social opportunity to her new patients at Cape Regional. “No other hospital or program does anything like this,” said Dr. Raghuwanshi. “It is fundamentally different from ‘pump nights,’ which are usually just information from the pump companies. And it’s not a support group, which are usually nurse and patient led. This is a physician-led party, and it’s now unique to Cape Regional.”
“The pizza party was a wonderful presentation,” said Beth Leggio of Cape May. “Dr. Zitnay and Dr. Anita gave a lot of information. I enjoy the interaction of other fellow diabetics and hearing their struggles, what works for them.”
Additional pizza parties will be scheduled in the near future. To learn more about Diabetes Services at Cape Regional, visit www.caperegional.com or call The Diabetes Center at (609) 463-2017.
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