CDE
The Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology (Pty) Ltd (CDE) was established in 1994, with the view to introduce much needed higher levels of care for persons with diabetes mellitus in South Africa.
South Africans were inadequate, and in addition, diabetes care in the private sector was not appropriately funded by medical aid companies (medical insurers). As a result, diabetes care in general was sub-optimal.
The founder of the CDE, Dr Larry Distiller, a world renowned Endocrinologist specialising in diabetes, had a vision to create an all-encompassing and comprehensive diabetes treatment and management programme, which allowed for the implementation of correct and appropriate diabetes care principles.
In a great leap of faith, and with good foresight, the first medical aid scheme to participate, was Tafelberg medical aid scheme. In the first month of operations, the Diabetes Management programme had a grand total of 13 patients under management.
Although this medical aid scheme is no longer in existence (it amalgamated with a number of schemes over the years), this move was a precursor to many medical aid schemes electing to become funding partners of the CDE.
In order to provide good diabetes care across South Africa, it was recognised that more than one “Centre of Excellence” would be required. The “Centres of Excellence” principle needed to be expanded.
As a result, a founding preferred provider network of 14 Centres was established. At the helm at each of these “Centres of Excellence”, was either an Endocrinologist or a specialist Diabetologist.
Over the years, the number of patients under our management has risen steadily; we now manage in excess of 18 000 patients with diabetes.
In addition, the number of “Centres of Excellence” has also increased; we now operate over 260 Centres countrywide. At the helm of each of these Centres is a fully accredited doctor.
The CDE is the only doctor-based managed healthcare programme in South Africa, and is considered the premier diabetes programme in the country.