Diabetes

Since 1991, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital's diabetes education and lifestyle change programs have been recognized by the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Patient Education Programs. Our outpatient services include:

• Comprehensive classes with follow-up sessions for adults with diabetes
• Gestational diabetes classes
• Individual counseling for insulin therapy instructions and any special learning needs

Inpatient consultations are available by request from a physician.

For more information about our diabetes education services, please call the Diabetes Education Coordinator at (904) 702-1541.

Outpatient lifestyle change program

Our endocrinologists are proud to offer an initiative developed specifically to help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Our lifestyle change program is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. The program also includes group support from other people who share similar goals and struggles.

Prediabetes is not a guarantee of developing Type 2 diabetes. With lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, medication management and incorporating a healthy diet, you can bring your blood sugar levels back to normal. Our lifestyle coach can help you change certain aspects of your health to achieve this goal, including:

• Getting more physical activity
• Reducing stress
• Eating healthier

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood.

When your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, the result is diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs most frequently in children and adolescents but can develop at any age. With this disease, the body produces little to no insulin. Daily insulin injections are required to keep blood glucose levels under control.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and accounts for most diabetes cases. With this disease, the body does not properly use the insulin it produces. Most people with Type 2 diabetes require oral drugs and/or insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. GDM usually disappears after pregnancy. However, it can put the mother and child at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Early signs and symptoms of diabetes

Some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes are:

• Blurred vision
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Irritability
• Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin)
• Slow-healing sores
• Unexplained weight loss

Risk factors for diabetes

Risk factors for diabetes include:

• Being overweight
• Being 45 years or older
• Being of African American, Native American, Latino, Asian, Indian or Pacific Islander decent
• Having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active less than three times a week
• Having had GDM or having given birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome