Diabetes

Taught by certified diabetes educators, our Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program can help you learn the 7 self-care behaviors to live a full and healthy life.

Talk with your care team about participating in the DSME Program.

If you’re overweight, at risk for diabetes, or have prediabetes or diabetes, our weight management programs can help you reach a healthy weight and stay active. Losing just 5% of your weight can prevent or delay diabetes and help manage blood sugar levels. Our weight loss programs provide group and individual support as you learn new skills and build new habits around eating and exercise.

Talk with your care team about participating in a diabetes weight management program.

Our insulin pump programs educate you on insulin pump therapy, different device options and how to use your insulin pump properly. If you currently use a pump and want to explore newer options, you can join an insulin pump class or schedule individual training sessions.

Talk to your care team about participating in an insulin pump program.

If you're pregnant and have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your OB/Gyn can refer you to our Sweet Success program. This program offers personalized care and ongoing support for women with diabetes during pregnancy or those who had diabetes before pregnancy. Discover the information and tools needed to manage blood sugar levels, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Talk with your care team about participating in our Sweet Success program.

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lifetime. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, accounts for 90–95% of all diabetes cases in the U.S.

Diabetes symptoms and their severity depend on your blood sugar levels. Some people with prediabetes, Type 2 or gestational diabetes may not have symptoms. Talk to your doctor about having your blood sugar levels tested if you experience:

• Blurry vision
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Getting more infections than usual
• Irritability or other mood changes
• Urinating a lot, especially at night
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slowly healing sores

The risk factors for diabetes can differ depending on the type of diabetes.

• Type 1 risk factors include family history and race or ethnicity. White Americans are at higher risk for Type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2 and prediabetes risk factors include being overweight, older than 45, having had gestational diabetes, having a close relative with Type 2 diabetes and not being physically active. Black, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indian or Alaska Native persons are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes risk factors include being overweight, having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, a family history of Type 2 diabetes, giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds, having polycystic ovary syndrome and being over 25. Americans who are Black, Hispanic or Latino or of Asian, Pacific Islander, Indian or Alaska Native descent are at higher risk for gestational diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you should get tested if you have:

• A body mass index over 25, along with additional risk factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, heart disease, a relative with diabetes or an inactive lifestyle
• A history of gestational diabetes
• Prediabetes
• HIV

Getting a blood sugar screening at age 35 is a good idea. If your results are normal, this helps to establish a baseline for future screenings.

Doctors use several tests to evaluate you for diabetes. These include:

• A1C test: This blood test doesn’t require fasting. It’s used to diagnose prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to monitor your blood sugar levels if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Fasting blood sugar test: This blood test requires fasting. A sample is taken after an overnight fast to check your blood sugar levels.
• Random blood sugar test: Your blood sugar level is checked at a random time.
• Glucose screening test: Used for gestational diabetes, this test involves drinking a sugary liquid, then having your blood drawn and tested after an hour.
• Glucose tolerance test: This test is used for Type 2 and gestational diabetes. After an overnight fast, a blood sample will be taken to check your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar will be tested afterward at one hour, two hours and sometimes three hours.