Did you know there are three types of diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is the most common, with about 90% of diabetic patients having a Type 2 diagnosis. It usually occurs in adults; however, more children are being diagnosed with Type 2 as a result of childhood obesity. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not use its insulin supply. Type 1 diabetes is the second most common type of diabetes, with about 10% of diabetic patients having Type 1. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes is not lifestyle related. The third type of diabetes is called Gestational Diabetes. It is a temporary condition during pregnancy that puts the mother and child at an increased risk of developing diabetes permanently. It is important to manage your diabetes well to prevent serious health complications.

Our diabetes program provides diabetes education, counseling, foot care and support to help our patients manage their diabetes. Our nurse practitioners, nurses and our dietician work as a team to help patients manage their illness and avoid or minimize complications from diabetes. People with diabetes can live long and healthy lives by keeping their blood sugar within their target range. During educational sessions, we will help you understand what diabetes is, how to prepare balanced meals to help keep your blood sugar stable, how oral medications and insulin work to manage your blood sugar level, and how to use your blood glucose meter. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have. We want to work with our patients so that they can better manage their chronic disease, live a healthier lifestyle and minimize complications from diabetes.

For more information on this program, talk to your health care provider.