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Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's production of glucose and insulin levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Type 2, gestational and prediabetes are all a result of an excess amount of sugar in the blood (high glucose levels).

Diabetes screening and treatment in Wasatch Front

Our diabetes specialists are trained to provide advanced education about everything from carbohydrate counting to injection and medication guidance.

By making an appointment, we can help develop a personalized management plan specialized for your specific needs. With information provided by our certified diabetes educators, you can learn how to more easily manage your blood glucose levels.

Expert advice, available 24/7

Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.

Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which your body has issues making or effectively using insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells. If untreated, diabetes results in sugar building up in your bloodstream. This can eventually damage your heart, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.

Types of diabetes

There are four types of diabetes:

Pre-diabetes—With pre-diabetes, the body starts to have trouble producing enough insulin all the time.

Type 1 diabetes—With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin because the beta cells of the pancreas have been destroyed. This may be diagnosed at any age.

Type 2 diabetes—In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin that it does produce, resulting in too much blood sugar. This is the most common type of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes—Gestational diabetes is when the body is not able to make enough insulin to cover the increased levels required during pregnancy. When pregnancies result in gestational diabetes, it usually disappears after delivery.

Diabetes symptoms

The signs of diabetes vary from person to person, but typical symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme hunger
  • Excessive thirst
  • Feeling very tired most of the time
  • Frequent urination
  • Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
  • Sores or wounds that are slow to heal
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Very dry skin

Diabetes risk factors

Talk to your doctor about whether or not you have a higher risk of developing diabetes, but some factors that increase your risk include:

  • Being of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander or Native American descent
  • Being or having been a smoker
  • Being overweight
  • Having a family history of diabetes
  • Having delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth
  • Not getting physical activity on a regular basis

Managing and treating diabetes

Taking control of diabetes has many benefits. You can feel better, have more energy and prevent the symptoms of high blood sugar. Managing your diabetes can also lower your chances of developing complications, such as heart disease or stroke, later in life.

We help you with the following factors, which are part of a healthy diabetes management system:

  • Blood sugar—Monitoring your blood sugar regularly (as directed by your doctor or educator) can help you determine if your current treatments are working properly. It can also help you learn what most affects your blood sugar as well as how to prevent any severe highs or lows in your blood sugar.
  • Diet and nutrition—Eating a balanced diet is healthy for everyone but is especially important for people with diabetes. Controlling your portions will also help keep your blood sugars in your target ranges.
  • Doctor and educator appointments—Your doctor will want you to visit every three to six months to make sure you're staying healthy and avoiding complications. Scheduling visits with a diabetes educator can also give you more detailed, valuable education and ideas. You may also want or need to see an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) for more specialized treatment.
  • Exercise—Activity can help keep your blood sugars down, help you lose or maintain weight and help boost your health in other ways. We can help you explore what exercise regimen is best for you.
  • Medication—You may need pills, injections or both to keep your blood sugars under control. Make sure you are careful to take them consistently, as directed.

Diabetes education and resources

Our diabetes education services are accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. As part of those services, we provide diabetes self-management that includes:

  • Community support
  • Diabetes self-management class
  • Free community lectures
  • Individual consultations
  • Outpatient education

Diabetes Center at St. Mark's Hospital

Diabetes doctors and counselors at St. Mark’s Hospital's Diabetes Center offer unparalleled diabetes care in the Greater Salt Lake City area. Their complete diabetes program includes:

  • Outpatient services
  • Inpatient consultations and support
  • Group classes
  • Individual counseling
  • Physician referrals to diabetes education and care programs