(813) 870-4995
Diabetes is a serious problem when left untreated
Diabetes is a disease that can have serious, sometimes permanent, effects on many parts of your body. Almost 17 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes, and millions more do not even know they have it. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart and kidney disease, amputations, blindness and other serious health problems.
- It is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States
- It causes 12,000 to 24,000 people to lose their eyesight each year
- It accounts for 56,000 leg and foot amputations each year
- It is the leading cause of kidney failure
- It increases the chance of having heart disease or suffering a stroke by two to four times
But the good news is that you can learn how to control your diabetes - and St. Joseph's Hospital can help. Click here to take a Diabetes Risk Assessment.
The choice is yours
Scientific research has proven that controlling blood sugar levels can reduce the long-term complications of diabetes. St. Joseph Hospital's Diabetes Management program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, and is designed to help you control your blood sugar over the long term.
Our caring, experienced staff of dieticians, diabetes educators and registered nurses will help you learn to control your diabetes by eating healthy, exercising and taking your medications properly. We provide this education and support through our Outpatient Services, and if you ever need to be in the hospital, through our Inpatient Services.
Outpatient Services
Working with your doctor, our Diabetes Management team will create a personalized care plan that includes education and counseling on the following:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Insulin self-management skills
- Oral medication self-management skills
- Nutrition counseling and meal planning
- Diabetes complications
- Support for you and your family
- Exercise counseling
- Stress management
- Diabetes counseling during pregnancy
To participate in our Outpatient Services, please ask your doctor for a referral, or call us directly for more information at (813) 870-4995.
Follow-up Sessions
These are scheduled during the 3rd, 6th and 12th month of your program to measure your progress toward your goals and to give you ongoing support for the daily management of your diabetes. This includes:
- Managing your blood sugar
- Providing for your nutritional needs
- Teaching you basic skills to manage your diabetes once you leave the hospital
Inpatient Services
Management of your blood sugar levels is important, perhaps more important when you are in the hospital. Recent studies have shown that keeping blood sugar levels near normal while being hospitalized can help prevent infections and improve overall outcomes.
Our experienced staff understands the special needs of diabetic patients. They will work with your doctor and nurses to give you the highest quality care for your diabetes and related conditions.
Valuable Educational Classes
St. Joseph's Diabetes Management program offers a variety of diabetes classes that can help patients gain better control over their condition and improve their quality of life. Topics include:
- The goal of treatment
- Medications and possible side effects
- Understanding how food, medication and exercise work together to control diabetes
Diabetes Center Location & Phone Number
St. Joseph's Hospital Healthline Building
(813) 870-4995
