The Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee and
the Minnesota Department of Health Diabetes
Program are proud to present
Arlene Becker, RD, LD
with the 2012 Bruce Zimmerman Diabetes Award
For her outstanding leadership in diabetes prevention
and for improving the lives of people with diabetes
and those at risk for diabetes in Minnesota
Ms. Becker is being recognized for:
- Her pioneering work in diabetes prevention in Minnesota and nationally
- Her contributions to expanding the I CAN Prevent Diabetes program in Minnesota
- Shaping new national diabetes prevention policy and programs that will directly impact people with prediabetes in Minnesota
- Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change curriculum for Spanish-speaking participants and training lifestyle coaches from diverse communities
Arlene Becker works as a registered and licensed dietitian at West Side Community Health Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. On October 25, 2012, we celebrate her achievements as the recipient of the 2012 Bruce Zimmerman Diabetes Award. The award is being presented to Ms. Becker by the Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee and the Diabetes Program at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Ms. Becker was selected to receive this year’s award for her national work in diabetes prevention and for her crucial role as a dietitian and champion for the predominantly Latino population she serves.
At West Side Community Health Services, Ms. Becker has led 14 Spanish Diabetes Prevention Program groups that have helped people with prediabetes dramatically lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The last two groups (with a total of 25 people having prediabetes) lost a combined 254 pounds, and several participants returned their blood sugar levels back to normal.
“Arlene plays a key role in West Side's diabetes prevention and management program and we are so pleased to have her sharing her time and talent with our community. Her passion is evident and she is a shining example for all of healthy living and helping patients make difficult lifestyle changes to optimize his or her wellness.”
Tracey Miller, Chief Operating Officer, West Side Community Health Services
In Minnesota, Arlene Becker has been a key contributor to further developing the I CAN Prevent Diabetes program administered by the Minnesota Department of Health. She has been especially influential in the state’s effort to expand the I CAN Prevent Diabetes program to people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including ethnically diverse populations and people in Greater Minnesota. As a Minnesota Master Trainer, Ms. Becker has co-facilitated 10 “lifestyle coach” trainings and certified over 160 coaches since 2009. Most recently she trained 40 coaches in African American churches, Somali and American Indian communities, Latino clinics serving uninsured immigrants, and nutrition extension educators in western Minnesota counties.
“Arlene brings a depth of experience with the Diabetes Prevention Program groups, sensitivity to multi-cultural groups and instills confidence in our Minnesota Lifestyle Coaches to be strong coaches across the state.”
Rita Mays, Diabetes Prevention Planner, MDH
At the national level, Ms. Becker has shaped new diabetes prevention policy and programs that will directly impact people with prediabetes in Minnesota. She is playing a leading role in a collaborative effort with the Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC) at the Rollins School of Public Health - Emory University in Atlanta, the National Diabetes Prevention Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to launch a national Diabetes Prevention Program across the United States.
“Arlene has been a strong asset to the National Diabetes Prevention Program - over the past year as a DTTAC Master Trainer, she has facilitated six lifestyle coach trainings in four states, including DTTAC’s first Spanish-language lifestyle coach training. She has been instrumental in translating the DTTAC training materials and curriculum into Spanish, ensuring that the lifestyle change program will be delivered to Spanish-speaking participants across the country. As a DTTAC Master Trainer, Arlene not only brings wisdom and a wealth of experience, but also the same genuine and compassionate nature that makes her excel as a Lifestyle Coach.”
Wendy Kurz Childers, Assistant Director, DTTAC
Dr. Bruce Zimmerman was an internationally known diabetes expert and endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. He gave decades of service to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), working with over 30 committees and task forces and serving as ADA President from 1999-2000. Bruce was a diabetes leader in Minnesota and served as a founding member of the Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee from 1985 to 2001. In 2000, Bruce was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which eventually took his life. A great friend to the cause of improving the lives of people with diabetes has been lost, however, his tremendous contributions to diabetes health care and diabetes research will live on for generations to come. The Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee and the Minnesota Diabetes Program honor his work and his memory by presenting this award each year.
2003: Steve Rith-Najarian, MD, Indian Health Service
2004: Charmaine Branchaud, RN, BSN, CDE, Red Lake Indian Health Service
2006: Anne Nettles, RN, MS, CDE, Diabetes CareWorks
2006: Robert A. Rizza, MD, Mayo College of Medicine
2007: Carol Manchester, MSN, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, University of Minnesota Medical Center – Fairview
2008: Patrick O’Connor, MD, MPH, HealthPartners Research Foundation
2009: Richard Berganstal, MD, International Diabetes Center
2010: Jim McGowan, ADA Minnesota Advocacy Chair
2011: American Diabetes Association–Minnesota Area Team
