Managing your diabetes can be complicated and is very personal. Becoming
an active participant in your care helps you control your diabetes while
taking charge of your life.
The healthcare professionals on the diabetes team work closely with patients
and their primary care physicians to improve and monitor management of
the disease. Their goal is to teach those with type 1, type 2, and gestational
diabetes the proper knowledge and management strategies to achieve a high
quality of life.
Effects of Diabetes On Your Body
The main goal of your healthcare team is to keep your blood glucose levels
within target ranges (before meals: 80-130 mg/dl; and 2 hours after the
onset of a meal: less than 180 mg/dl). Blood glucose levels that are well
controlled help you to stay as healthy as possible and to feel your best.
Looking at the short-term effects, high blood glucose levels can make it
easier to get infections and harder to treat them. Long-term effects of
chronic, poorly managed blood glucose levels may include eye, nerve, kidney,
heart, mouth, skin and feet complications. The chance of developing high
blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are also increased in people with diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks
down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose,
which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to
get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the
help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can
learn to manage their condition.
Learn more about type 1 diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar)
levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia and
is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your
body does not use insulin properly, sometimes referred to as ‘insulin
resistance’. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make
up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough
insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy some women may develop gestational diabetes. A diagnosis
of gestational diabetes doesn't mean that you had diabetes before you
conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. If you have
been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is important to follow your
doctor's advice, attend all of your doctor’s appointments, follow
a healthy eating pattern and be physically active to manage blood glucose
(sugar), the main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source
of energy.
Learn more about gestational diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
To contact the diabetes care team, call
833-604-7211.
Available services:
Individual appointments with the Certified Diabetes Care and Education
Specialist (CDCES) - Most insurance carriers, including Medicare, cover the cost of individual
diabetes education. In the first year a person is referred, they are typically
eligible for up to 10 hours of diabetes self-management education and
support training (DSMES/T). Please contact your insurance provider to
confirm your eligibility.
Certified diabetes care and education specialists offer medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for patients with diabetes. MNT
provides a supportive counseling and training service in which patients
can define objectives and priorities and create action plans unique to
their condition and needs.
Most insurance carriers, including Medicare, cover the cost of medical
nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes. Please contact your insurance provider
to confirm your eligibility.
Classes - Educational class opportunities are designed to help you understand
your condition and take charge of your health and your diabetes journey.
If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes these classes may be
helpful in familiarizing yourself with the terminology.
Diabetes Device Pre-Training and Ongoing Support Training - Patients have access to training on the use of their diabetes devices
including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, smart insulin pens,
insulin injection ports, and automated insulin delivery systems. Proper
self-management is possible with an understanding of the tools and equipment.
The diabetes team provides pre-training and ongoing therapy optimization
support training so patients can be empowered in their own care.
Telehealth - One-on-one discussions with team members through your smart phone, tablet,
or computer can help you get real advice and help when it matters. Professionals
can assist with problem solving, supporting your goals, meal planning
and portions, understanding and managing your medications, and more. To
schedule a telehealth visit, please call
833-604-7211.
To learn more about upcoming classes, please visit the
Classes & Events calendar. Classes are offered through the Lifestyle Coaching team, as
well as at other various locations.
Eating Right with Diabetes
Create Your Plate
The American Diabetes Association “Create Your Plate” is a
simple and effective way to manage your blood glucose and weight. With
this method, you fill your plate with more non-starchy veggies and smaller
portions of starchy foods...no special tools or counting required! You
can practice with this interactive tool. The healthy meal combinations
are endless!
Learn more about creating your plate at the American Diabetes Association website.
7-Day Diabetes Friendly Diet
The diabetes healthcare team took the guesswork out of following a diabetic
diet by putting together a seven-day, 1600 calorie meal plan, including
three meals plus snacks. These meals include key vitamins and minerals,
avoid refined grains, and limit added sugars. Plus, recipes are included
for select items. Each meal and snack is planned to help you keep your
blood sugar in check.
What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body stops producing
insulin altogether, so it must be replaced through insulin therapy. Type
2 diabetes develops when the body doesn't use insulin effectively (insulin
resistance), and over time the pancreas can't keep up with the extra demand.
Type 2 is often managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and
sometimes insulin.
How do I know if my blood sugar is well controlled?
Your care team will typically check your A1C, a blood test that reflects
your average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. Along with your daily
blood glucose checks (before meals: 80-130 mg/dl; two hours after a meal:
less than 180 mg/dl), this helps your team fine-tune your treatment plan.
Can diabetes be reversed or cured?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed, since the body no longer produces insulin.
Type 2 diabetes cannot be "cured," but for some people, significant
weight loss, dietary changes, and increased physical activity can bring
blood glucose into a normal range without medication — sometimes
called remission. This varies by individual, so talk with your care team
about what's realistic for you.
Will I need to take insulin?
Not necessarily. People with type 1 diabetes always need insulin. People
with type 2 diabetes may manage their condition with lifestyle changes
and oral medications, though some eventually need insulin as the disease
progresses. Your care team will work with you to find the right treatment
based on your individual needs.
How often should I check my blood sugar?
This depends on your type of diabetes, your treatment plan, and your individual
goals. Some people check several times a day, while others using continuous
glucose monitors (CGMs) get real-time readings around the clock. Your
diabetes care team can help you determine the right monitoring schedule for you.
What should I do if my blood sugar is too high or too low?
Your care team will give you a personalized action plan, but in general:
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) often calls for a fast-acting source of
sugar, like juice or glucose tablets, followed by a snack. High blood
sugar (hyperglycemia) may require water, medication adjustments, or checking
for ketones, depending on your treatment plan. If you experience severe
symptoms or repeated highs/lows, contact your care team promptly.
Is gestational diabetes dangerous for my baby?
With proper management, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy
pregnancies and healthy babies. Unmanaged gestational diabetes can increase
risks such as a larger-than-average baby, early delivery, or the baby
developing low blood sugar after birth. This is why following your doctor's
guidance on diet, activity, and monitoring is so important.
How do I get started with diabetes education or nutrition counseling?
Call the diabetes care team at 833-604-7211 to ask about individual appointments
with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), medical
nutrition therapy (MNT), classes, or device training. Most insurance carriers,
including Medicare, cover these services — check with your insurance
provider to confirm your eligibility.
