Diabetes Care
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition in which the body either can’t make insulin or use it effectively. The condition causes constant changes in blood sugar levels. If these levels are not controlled, diabetes can lead to severe, sometimes life-altering, complications. But at Trinity Health Michigan, there’s hope.
We deliver nationally recognized, high-quality diabetes care close to home. We offer the full range of services, including prevention, education and treatment so that you can feel your best. And our patient-first philosophy makes it easier for you to maintain control of the condition for years to come.
About Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach. It controls how the body uses glucose (blood sugar), which gives your cells – and your body – energy to function.
- Type 1 diabetes is less common and happens when the immune system attacks the pancreas. It results in the body producing very little or no insulin. While Type 1 occurs in people of all ages, it is most often diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes is more likely in people who have obesity. It develops over time and typically affects adults. With Type 2 diabetes, the body no longer uses insulin effectively. You may experience periods of high or low blood sugar.
Take the Next Step
A referral from a primary care provider is required to schedule an appointment with one of our diabetes experts.
Find a ProviderOur Locations
Nationally Recognized Diabetes Care in Southeast and West Michigan
We treat a high volume of adolescents and adults using research-based methods to help patients achieve outstanding results. Our commitment to diabetes care excellence has earned some of our programs national recognition from:
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Diabetes Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
Board-certified endocrinologists, some with advanced (fellowship) training, guide your care. They work alongside certified diabetes educators, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians and other specialists as necessary to tailor therapies to your needs.
Conditions We Treat
In addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, we also provide personalized care for:
- Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar levels in pregnant women with no history of diabetes
- Hypoglycemia: Unusually low blood sugar
- Insulin resistance: Difficulty taking up insulin from the blood, prompting the body to make excess insulin
- Metabolic syndrome: A group of conditions (including diabetes) that raises your risk of heart attack and stroke
- Prediabetes: Blood sugar levels that are elevated but not high enough to diagnose diabetes
Our Diabetes Services
We offer comprehensive diabetes services that help prevent, slow the progression of, or in some cases, reverse diabetes.
Services include:
Diabetes prevention
This year-long program helps people with prediabetes make lifestyle changes that lower the risk of a diabetes diagnosis. You receive services from experienced lifestyle coaches to help you learn healthy habits and stick to them. Get more information about our diabetes prevention services.
Diabetes education
We help people with diabetes live the best possible quality of life. Certified diabetes educators teach you ways to take good care of yourself, including eating balanced meals. We also explain how to overcome challenges, such as managing medications and insulin therapy. Find out more about diabetes education.
Topics we cover include:
- How diabetes affects your body
- Controlling blood sugar with nutrition, exercise and medication
- Checking your blood sugar
- Using insulin
- Preventing complications
Diabetes treatment
Diabetes treatments depend on the type. All people with diabetes can benefit from healthy lifestyle practices, such as eating a balanced diet and watching their weight.
Keeping your blood sugar within an appropriate range is essential. We explain when and how to monitor blood sugar levels and what to do if they are abnormally high or low. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin regularly by injection or pump. With Type 2, you may need to take oral medications, insulin or both to manage blood sugar.
As a comprehensive diabetes program, we are advancing care through research. Efforts include clinical trials that explore new diabetes treatments and care methods.
Medical nutrition therapy
This option helps control diabetes using a special diet tailored to your needs. Your physician writes a prescription, and one of our registered dietitians works with you to develop a healthy eating plan. This plan may include specific amounts of carbohydrates, sugar, fat, protein and fiber. The dietitian helps you identify foods you like that meet the diet requirements, and they adjust the plan as necessary.
Specialist care
Diabetes puts you at risk for issues affecting many body systems. If you experience symptoms or complications, we help you access the appropriate specialist for treatment.
Trinity Health Michigan is home to all the experts you may need, including:
- Audiologists for hearing issues
- Behavioral health specialists for anxiety or depression
- Cardiologists for heart disease
- Ophthalmologists for eye health concerns
- Podiatrists for foot and wound problems
- Nephrologists for kidney conditions
- Neurologists for nerve damage