Expert Care & Education

Diabetes can be a life-changing condition. Managing it requires an understanding of how food, activity and medications influence your blood sugar. For the best possible control of this chronic disease, the Diabetes Center at Saint Agnes Hospital offers a variety of services to help you make important lifestyle changes and learn the skills necessary to feel well and stay healthy.

Our program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, which means it meets national standards for quality education of people with diabetes. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, dietitians and certified diabetes educators provides expert care to help you manage, treat and understand your disease, so you can avoid complications and enjoy a great quality of life.

Our Services

Medical Consultation & Treatment

Diabetes Care
The Diabetes Center provides patients with access to expert consultation and the latest treatment for diabetes and its complications. Our endocrinologists specialize in insulin pump therapy and interpretation of continuous glucose monitoring.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Other Endocrine Disorders

Our medical team treats patients with a variety of other endocrine conditions, including:

• Thyroid disease
• Osteoporosis and calcium metabolism disorders
• Resistant hypertension
• Pituitary hormonal disorders
• Adrenal disorders
• Water metabolism disorders
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome and excess hair growth

Ultrasound Evaluation of the Thyroid Gland
Diagnostic ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration are offered for patients with thyroid nodules and suspected thyroid cancer.

Diabetes Education

Individual Diabetes Education
During one-on-one diabetes training from a certified diabetes educator, you’ll learn the skills to manage your diabetes with confidence. Education is tailored to your individual needs and covers a variety of important issues, including proper use of home glucose monitors, meal planning, medication management, insulin injection training, prevention of complications, management of high and low blood sugar and more.

Diabetes Nutrition Consultation
Our registered dietitians offer individualized counseling specifically geared to your nutritional needs. You’ll benefit from strategies for carbohydrate counting, weight management and diabetic meal planning.

Gestational Diabetes Management
Most women who develop diabetes during pregnancy deliver healthy babies, but it’s important to learn proper monitoring, medication management and meal planning strategies to promote the best possible outcomes. Patients who are referred with gestational diabetes see our diabetes educators for an initial two-hour appointment, with shorter follow-up sessions scheduled as needed.

 

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association the following symptoms could indicate that you are at risk for Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
Frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes
Any of the type 1 symptoms, frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling/numbness in the hands/feet, recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Insurance Coverage
Diabetes Center services are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Financial assistance also is available for those who qualify and complete an application process.

For more information about the Diabetes Center at Saint Agnes Hospital, or to schedule an appointment, call 410-368-8448.
 

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association
• American Diabetes Association