Diabetes and Nutrition Center
Managing Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that converts sugar and starches from the food you eat into energy for the body. As a result, blood sugar levels can rise to unhealthy levels and, over time, lead to complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and blindness. Approximately 18.2 million people in the United States have diabetes, including 5.2 million who are undiagnosed.
Memorial Diabetes and Nutrition Center is committed to providing comprehensive testing, treatment and support for adults and children with diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Blurred vision
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Intense hunger
- Irritability
- Itchy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness or tingling in fingers and/or toes
- Rapid weight loss
- Skin infections that do not heal
- Weakness
Dedicated Team Approach
Effective diabetes management often requires a combination of proper diet, regular exercise and medical treatment, including insulin therapy. Memorial Diabetes and Nutrition Center's nurses and dietitians are certified diabetes educators. They work closely with patients to identify their needs and devise effective treatment programs, which may include:
- Nutrition consultation — Patients are assisted with developing realistic dietary goals, planning meals for maximum blood sugar control and managing their weight
- Exercise therapy — Staff members at Memorial Regional Hospital Fitness and Rehabilitation Center and Memorial Hospital West Fitness and Rehabilitation Center work with patients, under their doctors' supervision, to devise individualized fitness programs that help them control blood glucose levels and enhance their health
- Treatment — Treatment options for diabetes may include oral medications, injectable insulin or insulin pumps; and treatment can be provided on an individual or group basis and in an inpatient or outpatient setting
Education and Support
Inpatient and outpatient educational programs also are available to help diabetes patients improve their self-care skills and quality of life. Guidance is provided for a variety of issues, including administering insulin, monitoring blood glucose levels, recognizing serious diabetes complications and achieving optimum nutrition. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
In addition, patients and their families can take advantage of support groups to assist them in managing and living successfully with diabetes.
Specialty Programs
Gestational diabetes can occur between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, and usually disappears once the baby is born. Women age 30 or older and obese women with a family history of diabetes are more susceptible to gestational diabetes.
It is important for a woman to keep her blood sugar in a normal range during pregnancy to help protect her baby's health. Memorial offers pre-pregnancy/pregnancy classes and counseling, various educational workshops, and a Blood Glucose Meter Loaner Program.
In addition, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, the leading children's hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties, provides a wide range of diabetes services specifically for children.
Working Together
Diabetes is not a disease that can be ignored without consequences. Memorial Diabetes and Nutrition Center is dedicated to educating patients about diabetes, while providing the tools they need to enjoy an active and rewarding lifestyle.
Memorial provides comprehensive testing, treatment and support for adults and children with diabetes. For more information, please call one of the Memorial Diabetes Center: (954) 265-5889
Is Your Doctor a Memorial Doctor?
To find a physician who is committed to diabetes treatment, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
