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 management in Denver
If you need to get your diabetes under control, personalized care can make all the difference.
The Diabetes Management Center at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke's offers a setting of compassion and support. We use advanced techniques to equip you with the tools you need to manage your condition.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related advice 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 health-related advice 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.
Symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes symptoms depend on the type and severity of the condition but may include:
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Extreme Hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Slow- or nonhealing wounds
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
Services offered by our diabetes center
Diabetes care may involve lifestyle changes, nutrition management and medication. Our diabetes specialists will create a plan that fits your needs.
Diabetes education and support
Our diabetes specialists work to provide the highest quality of diabetes self-management education based on the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care. As part of that, our diabetes program is recognized as an American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Program.
We offer the following classes and individual sessions at our Diabetes Management Center:
- Continuous Self-Monitoring for Blood Glucose — At your first appointment, a certified diabetes educator will connect your monitoring device. A week later, we will remove the device and download the results. We then review them with you and send a copy to your doctor.
- Gestational Diabetes — This two-hour class and single follow-up visit includes instruction on monitoring your blood sugars, diet and medications during your pregnancy.
- Insulin Management — Often, insulin doses need to be adjusted. In this session, we work closely with you and your doctor to make the changes and assure you understand them.
- Insulin Pump Therapy — This is a one-on-one session for those interested in insulin pump therapy. It includes an initial consultation and demonstration of various pumps to help with pump selection.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy — If you would like assistance with meal planning, you can schedule an appointment with a dietitian to discuss and plan your nutrition therapy.
- New Diagnosis for Type 1 Diabetes — This class is a series of individualized sessions with a certified diabetes educator.
- New Diagnosis for Type 2 Diabetes — A nurse (or dietitian as needed) teaches this four-class series in two-hour segments, based on your needs assessment.
- Tune-Up — For individuals who need a review of their self-management skills, you can schedule this "Tune-Up" appointment with a nurse or dietitian.
Register for a diabetes education class
We encourage you to bring a support person, such as a family member or friend, to classes and appointments to ensure your questions are answered throughout your care.
To register for a class or individual session, contact our Diabetes Management Center. Cost for these programs will vary depending on your insurance provider, co-pay and deductible.
To register for a diabetes self-management class or an individual session, call our Diabetes Management Center at (720) 754-6891.
The Diabetes Management Center is open:
- Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Friday from 7:00am to 11:00am
Physician referrals to the diabetes center
We invite your physician to become familiar with the services we offer. We will work closely with them to assist in managing your diabetes as well as refer you to the program if needed. Encourage your doctor to call us with any questions they may have regarding our services.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes
Here are the most common questions we hear at our center.
Is there a cure for Type 1 diabetes?
No, there is currently no cure. However, it can be treated successfully by taking insulin. Also, continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps make it easier for people to manage their Type 1 diabetes.
Should I follow a gluten-free diet if I have Type 1 diabetes?
In general, people who benefit from a gluten-free diet are those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is more common among people with Type 1 diabetes, but it is still a small percentage of people.
Can I reverse my Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes can be reversed or go into remission. This requires increasing physical activity, careful diet monitoring and weight loss (if not already at a healthy weight). It can be difficult to achieve without some assistance.
It is also important to note that Type 2 diabetes is progressive. This means that even if you are doing everything right, Type 2 diabetes could return as you age.
How many carbohydrates can I eat a day with Type 2 diabetes?
The amount of carbohydrates you can consume if you have diabetes depends on your height and weight, your blood glucose and whether or not you are trying to lose weight. Our diabetes educators can work with you to create individualized meal plans.
What are healthy eating guidelines for a person with Type 2 diabetes?
You should follow your doctor's guidelines on a healthy diet if you have either type of diabetes. However, in general, you should:
- Choose fewer processed foods and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Eat at least twice a day — ideally only when you are hungry
- Choose smaller portions and appropriate amounts of food
Does my insurance cover diabetes education?
In most cases, insurance does cover diabetes education. However, there might be limits to how many visits you can have with a diabetes educator.
If you need information to share with your insurance company, call us at (720) 754-6891.
Looking for a location?
Our Diabetes Locations
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