Diabetes Specialty Care

Understanding Blood Glucose

Our body breaks down the carbohydrates we eat and drink into glucose. Glucose is the primary sugar that our body uses for energy, and our body requires a hormone called insulin to properly store glucose. 

Insulin works like a delivery truck as it shuttles glucose from your bloodstream to your cells. When you don't have enough insulin or your cells are resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in your bloodstream instead of being stored in your cells. 

Our pancreas produces insulin. In someone with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively enough, leading to elevated levels of glucose in the blood. 

Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to a diabetes diagnosis. This disease has many health complications, including:

• Eye damage
• Kidney complications
• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• Nerve damage
• Skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections
• Foot problems like infections and sores that don’t heal

Types of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, neonatal, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. 

The two most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 diabetes: This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and damages pancreas cells. The pancreas produces insulin, which dictates glucose storage. Without this hormone, the body cannot lower blood glucose levels. 
   
• Type 2 diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs when the body doesn't create enough insulin or the cells don't respond to insulin the way they should (known as insulin resistance). This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. 

With the proper medication, lifestyle adjustments, and professional guidance, you can better manage your symptoms and prevent serious health complications to live a healthier life. Our health professionals can help people with Type 1 diabetes actively manage their insulin levels and better their health. With treatment, many people with Type 2 diabetes can increase their insulin sensitivity and improve their blood sugar levels.

The Laurel Health Centers offer personalized diabetes specialty care to accurately diagnosis, monitor, and treat diabetes to improve your quality of life. 

Comprehensive Diabetes Management

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including our mental wellness and self-esteem. Diabetes patients do best with a team of collaborative healthcare professionals to help manage the condition and prevent complications. 

Laurel Health's experts work together to coordinate your care and help you stay on top of your diabetes management. Our diabetes support team includes:

• Primary care physicians (PCP)
• Nephrologists (kidney doctors)
• Diabetes care and education specialists
• Registered dietitians and certified nutrition experts
• Dentists and dental hygienists
• Mental health professionals

The team at Laurel Health is equipped to help you better understand and manage your condition through our dedicated diabetes management program. We take special care to customize your wellness plan and assure your entire care team is on the same page. Through care coordination, our team stays in the loop of your previous treatments, the healthcare services you receive, your wellness goals, and your current prescriptions. 

Medication Management

There are different classes of oral diabetes medication on the market, and they lower your blood glucose levels in different ways. You can count on our team thoroughly explaining how your medication works and what to expect. Together, you and your Laurel Health provider will find the medication that works best for you. 

During your treatment, you may find one type of medication meets all of your needs. If not, your provider may recommend a combination of diabetes medications to help you achieve your blood glucose goals. 

Your healthcare provider can also determine whether you need to administer synthetic insulin. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and provide guidance on the best time to administer your insulin. Our team is always available to help you with insulin dosage adjustments. We are ready to answer any questions you might have about your treatment options. 

Nutrition Counseling

Because carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, what we eat can have a big impact on diabetes management. Laurel Health offers nutrition counseling to help you fill your plate with nutrient-dense and fiber-rich foods that are diabetes-friendly. We can also help you identify which foods may have a negative impact on your health (e.g., foods that are likely to create a sharp spike in your blood sugar) and how to effectively minimize or moderate them while still enjoying meals that taste great. 

Laurel Health's nutritional experts can demonstrate how to use the glycemic index to plan meals that keep your blood sugar levels more stable. This index rates foods according to how quickly they break down and raise your blood sugar levels. Your Laurel Health provider or dietitian can also determine your ideal daily carbohydrate intake and explain how to keep track of your carbohydrate count.

Diabetes Education

Armed with the proper information, you can take control of your health and make empowered decisions about managing your diabetes. Our diabetes education team can help you build the following skills to better support your overall health: 

• Blood glucose monitoring techniques
• Diabetes self-management skills, such as tracking your carbohydrate intake and building healthy meals
• Insulin administration and injection techniques
• Managing high and low blood sugar symptoms
• Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider
• Knowing when to call an expert for extra support

Schedule an Appointment for Diabetes Specialty Care

Laurel Health has been trusted for generations to provide care you can count on. With comprehensive diabetes specialty care, you can trust us to help manage your condition, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. If cost is a barrier to your care, ask us about our sliding fee program and financial assistance enrollment support. 

To schedule an appointment, call us at 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) or contact us online.