DIABETES CENTER
OUR SERVICES
Diabetes education is a vital aspect of successful self-management of diabetes. The Diabetes Center's education program covers a wide selection of topics facilitated by clinical experts, recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) since 2004, following the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (DSMES). Our center aims to provide information, enforce motivation among patients, and offer community resources for support to manage their condition better.
The Diabetes Center staff includes dietitians (RD), Nurse Educators (RN), pharmacists (PharmD), physician assistants (PA), Nurse Practitioners (NP), and physicians (MD). Our nursing and dietitian staff includes certified diabetes educators (CDCES), specially trained and nationally certified.
Our ADA-recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Support Services include sessions on:
- Blood Glucose Monitoring
- Nutrition, meal planning, and carbohydrate counting.
- Prevention of complications/decreasing risks associated with diabetes
- Physical activity and Weight Management
- The diabetes disease process and treatment options
- Healthy Coping with diabetes
Ask your care team or diabetes educator for a referral.
Individual appointments are also available for those unable to participate in the group setting.
*** Spanish Classes are also available.
Other Services Offered
INSULIN PUMP THERAPY
Insulin pump therapy is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user-selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user-selectable amounts) to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in persons twenty-one years of age and older, requiring insulin.
Insulin pumps can be programmed to adjust basal insulin delivery based on individual blood glucose needs and can be set up to deliver insulin based on calculated blood glucose needs. Initiation of insulin pump therapy requires a prescription.
CONTINUOUS BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) evaluation is a procedure performed on patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in some patients who have gone through gastric bypass surgery.
The recorded information will give your healthcare provider insights into how your diet, medication, and daily activities affect your glucose levels, including identifying dangerous lows at night or during the day and detecting how high your glucose goes after meals.
Therapy adjustments made with CGM data have proven to: reduce the frequency and duration of highs and lows and reduce A1C levels, which can lead to a reduced risk of complications.
DIABETIC RETINAL EYE SCREENING
Diabetes is a disease that produces complications that may affect many areas of your body, including your eyes. It increases your risk for eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts. The primary concern for eye health in people with diabetes is the development of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is one complication that develops when your eye's blood vessels become damaged. If this condition becomes undetected, your eyesight may blur, eventually leading to blindness. The best way to handle eye problems related to diabetes is through prevention and early detection of retinal abnormalities and by regular monitoring and initiation of prompt treatment = Getting a picture of the back of your eyes (Photo Fundus Exam).
The recommendations of the American Diabetes Association are as follows:
|
Patient group |
Recommended first examination |
Minimum routine follow-up |
|
Type 1 diabetes |
Dilated comprehensive exam within four years after diagnosis |
Yearly, if retinopathy present Every two years if there is no evidence of retinopathy |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
Dilated comprehensive exam at the time of diagnosis |
Yearly, if retinopathy present Every two years if there is no evidence of retinopathy |
|
Pregnancy in pre-existing diabetes |
Before conception and during the first trimester. Counsel on the risk of development or progression of retinopathy. |
Close follow-up throughout pregnancy and for one year postpartum |