Lawrence & Memorial

The Gold Standard in Diabetes & Endocrine Care

Diabetes patients in eastern and shoreline CT, southern and western RI, and Fishers Island, NY now have access to the" Gold Standard" for diabetes care in America.

The Harvard Medical School-affiliated Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston is the world leader in diabetes treatment, education, and research. Through an affiliate program in Connecticut, Lawrence & Memorial is now providing eastern and shoreline CT, southern and western RI, and Fisher’s Island, NY with a comprehensive diabetes management program and endocrine services.

Our Locations:

New London, Connecticut

As a Joslin patient, you are the center of a team of experts. Choosing Joslin means choosing an international network of centers led by the world renown Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

Our Joslin physicians have been granted 3 year recognition fromJanuary 23, 2008 to January 23, 2011 by the American Diabetes Association/National Committee for Quality Assurance Provider Recognition Program.

The Joslin Diabetes Center's Education Program has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Education Programs through January 6, 2012.

Mission: Provide state of the art diabetes & endocrine medical care within a team setting

Vision: Be the provider of choice for diabetes & endocrine services in response to the community's needs and new research findings

Values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Stewardship

Endocrinology Services Available

Physician consultation for patients with the following:

• Thyroid disorders
• Treatment with radioactive iodide
• Thyroid biopsies offered on site
• Osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases
• Calcium disorders involving disorders of parathyroid function and vitamin D metabolism
• Adrenal disease
• Pituitary/hypothalamic neuroendocrine disorders
• Selected disorders of testicular and ovarian function

All physicians providing endocrine consultation services are Board certified or Board eligible in the sub-specialty of endocrinology and metabolism.

Endocrine laboratory testing, including stimulation tests, can typically be done on site at the Joslin Center or at one of L&M's Hospital-based laboratories.

Services Available

• Physician Consultation
  • Intensive diabetes management
  • Comprehensive endocrine services
  • Preconception counseling & pregnancy diabetes management
  • Insulin pump initiation & management
  • Inpatient & outpatient services
• On Site Laboratory
• Comprehensive Nursing Assessment & Education
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Diabetes Support Group and Weight Management Support Group
• Pre-diabetes class
• Group & Individual Programs
• Days & Evenings

History of the Joslin Diabetes Center

The Joslin Diabetes Center was founded in 1898 in Boston by famed diabetes specialist Elliot Joslin, M.D. Joslin is now the world leader in diabetes research, treatment, and education. After a century of constant experimentation and refinement, the Joslin system for controlling diabetes is used throughout the world today by clinicians who understand it's the key to the very best possible patient outcomes. Joslin and its affiliates have treated more than 280,000 patients.

The Joslin System

• Developed the approach of using a team of specialists
• First to champion the frequent administration of long-and-short-acting insulins
• First to champion frequent monitoring of sugar concentrations, both in the urine and later in the blood
• Leading the treatment for diabetic eye disorders

How the Joslin System Works

The Joslin System relies on a team of specialists to provide both inpatients and outpatients with a comprehensive approach to the management of their diabetes. Whatever a patient's particular need, the Joslin Team will collaborate with the patient to develop an individualized plan of care. The approach is based on empowering patients by teaching them how to manage their own care.

The team includes the following specialists:

• Diabetologist- A physician who specializes in diabetes and is responsible for the patients overall care and treatment
• Endocrinologist-A physician who specializes in the care of the endocrine glands and the hormones produced by them. Includes diabetes and disorders of thyroid and metabolism.
• Nurse Practitioner - Specially trained specialist who assists the physicians in meeting the diabetic patient's needs.
• Diabetes Nurse Educator - Works with patients to provide the latest research and information most helpful to empower them to manage their illness. This specialist is a crucial part of the team and works with patients to answer questions.
• Registered Dietitian - Assists the patient in designing a meal plan that will manage the diabetes. The dietitian takes a realistic approach by balancing the physical needs of the people with diabetes, their lifestyle, budget, and culture.
• Other Lawrence & Memorial Specialists - To treat diabetes-related disorders, the Joslin team works with staff ophthalmologists, podiatrists, exercise physiologists, kidney specialists, mental health professionals, and others to ensure the best patient care.

The Joslin Diabetes Center Team

Meet the Joslin Diabetes Center team of specialists.

Medical Director Diabetes

Dr. Stephen Quevedo

Medical Director Endocrinology

Dr. R. Preston Lamberton

Endocrinologists

Dr. Rita Gonzalez
Dr. Yasmine Khan
Dr. Robert Gelfand
Dr. Saul Neuman
Dr. Alan Krasner

Center Manager

Patricia Pugsley, RN, MSN, CDE

Adult Nurse Practitioner/Certified Diabetes Educator

Randi Kington, APRN, CDE
Angela Younger APRN, CDE

Certified Diabetes Educators

Judith Swift RN, MS, CDE
Carol Patterson BSN, CDE
Kathy Pacheco BSN, CDE
Amy Sullivan RN, CDE
Jan Amato RN, CDE
Debra Peterson RD, CDE
Barbara Corvello RD, CDE
Jen Back RD, CDE

Do you or someone you know have diabetes?

What are the signs and symptoms of Diabetes?

Many people who develop diabetes do not notice any symptoms. Because of this, diabetes may go undetected for years. By the time it is diagnosed, damage to arteries, eyes, nerves and kidneys may also have developed. Overall, one out of three Americans with diabetes does not know that they have the condition.

However, if you or a family member should have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away:

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss

What are the risk factors?

You are higher at risk if:

• You are age 45 and older
• Member of a high-risk ethnic group (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
• You are overweight
• You have high blood pressure (at or above 140/90)
• You have a family history of diabetes
• You have a history of diabetes during pregnancy or you are a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.

Educational Options

Comprehensive Series-three -session class series covering all aspects of diabetes management; the focus is on changing behaviors to help people better manage their disease (covered by most insurance)

Support Group and Weight Management Support Group: Talk about your diabetes problems and share your solutions with others (free).

Individual Outpatient Appointments: Scheduled with nurse or a dietitian (covered by some insurance or fee for service).

Contact Information

For more information call the Joslin Diabetes Center affiliate at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital at 860.444.4737 or toll free at 877.JOSLIN1.

Email to joslin@lmhosp.org