Diabetes (Endocrinology)

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Here at Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, Jefferson Outpatient Care we are taking a proactive approach to enhancing the quality of life for diabetics in our care.  We provide additional services beyond diagnosis and treatment.

We have Diabetic Classes that meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week.  These classes cover such topics as:

• Diet Instruction
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Heart-Health Weight Loss {diabetics invited}
• Insulin Injection
• Diabetes Patient Group {visits once per month}
• Education regarding self management of diabetes
• Diabetic foot care program

There are four {4} major types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes - Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Results from insulin resistance {a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin}, combined with relative insulin deficiency.
• Gestational Diabetes - Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women.
• Pre-Diabetes - Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

For more information regarding diabetes, please go to www.diabetes.org.