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Diabetes

Diabetes Specialists Providing Diabetes Management & Education

More than 29 million Americans have diabetes, the most common endocrine disorder in the United States. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful management and ongoing oversight from an endocrinologist primary care physician.

Type 1 Diabetes

The least common form of diabetes, type 1 accounts for only about 5% of all U.S. diabetes cases. In this chronic condition, the pancreas stops producing insulin. This hormone metabolizes the carbohydrates in your food and turns them into blood sugar (glucose) to provide the body with energy. Without insulin to let glucose into the cells, the body can’t get the energy it needs. People with type 1 diabetes are “insulin dependent,” meaning they must take insulin to live. It seems to have a genetic component and is typically diagnosed early in life, but sometimes in adulthood. Its causes are not fully known, and there is currently no cure.

Type 2 Diabetes

This common condition accounts for 95% of cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body starts to resist the insulin it produces and stops carrying glucose into the body’s cells. The pancreas tries to compensate for the added demand for insulin by making more. Over time, the pancreas can’t keep up with the body’s increased need for insulin and excess sugar accumulates in the bloodstream where it causes long-term damage.

Prediabetes

Blood glucose levels will consistently be above average for a person with prediabetes, but not yet high enough to warrant a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes can keep it from progressing through lifestyle changes and medical oversight.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of type 2 diabetes only occurs in pregnant women and usually goes away after childbirth. However, half the women who develop gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Comprehensive Diabetes Management

Our endocrinologists diagnose, treat, and oversee the management of diabetes. In addition, we have Certified RN Diabetes Educators (CDCES) in our Health Centers who specialize in diabetes care and education and provide one-on-one consultations. These are available in English and Spanish for patients with a diagnosis of diabetes. We offer education and training on the core principles of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist’s ADCES7 – Self Care Behaviors including: healthy eating, being active, taking medication, healthy coping, monitoring, problem solving, and reducing risks. During these sessions we incorporate shared decision making, and work on individualized, self-determined goals that are most important to you.

Could you be at risk for type 2 diabetes? Take our risk assessment and find out.

Please speak with your care provider if you have diabetes and would like to be referred to our diabetes educator. Additionally, you can reach us at 805-948-4869 and we can schedule your appointment.