Ascension Mercy - Diabetes and Nutrition Care

Fatigue, weakness, mood swings, weight changes, and changes in your blood sugar levels are signs of an endocrine disorder. Endocrinologists at Ascension Mercy Diabetes and Nutrition Care have the expertise to diagnose and treat children and adults with endocrine disorders, including:

• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Early or late puberty in boys and girls
• Growth disorders
• Hormone imbalance
• Lipid disorders (high cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Menstrual disorders
• Pituitary and adrenal disorders
• Prediabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Vitamin D deficiency

These conditions can affect your metabolism, mood, sleep, blood pressure, and more. Your doctor starts by listening to you, to better understand you and your health. Then, we work with you to create a care plan that's right for you. Your care team may include diabetes educators, nurses, and registered dietitians.

Caring for your diabetes

Diabetes can show symptoms in many parts of your body, such as blurry vision or foot ulcers. As part of an integrated national network of care, your doctor can connect you with specialists in heart care, nephrology, neurology, eye care, wound healing and more.

Nutrition counseling and diabetes education

Ascension Medical Group - Center for Diabetic Wellness offers programs to help you learn more about diabetes and gain the skills needed to stay healthy, including:

• Assessments and blood glucose monitoring
• Five diabetes self-management education classes about:
  • Basic understanding of diabetes and how to manage it
  • Training on blood glucose meters; a free meter is provided, if needed
  • Education on blood glucose and A1C goals and managing your blood glucose patterns
  • Signs, symptoms and treatment for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
  • Nutrition for diabetes management and heart health
  • Nutrition label reading
  • Physical activity
  • Medication management
  • Coping, problem-solving and stress management
  • Goal-setting
  • Prevention of long-term complications, including retinopathy and nephropathy
• Three individual management and nutrition therapy sessions with a RD and CDE:
  • Individualized meal plans | Carbohydrate-counting instructions | Weight management
• Follow-up training
  • Measure pre- and post-A1C as well as weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure to ensure that personal health goals are reached

A doctor's referral is needed to register for our program. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible to receive care from our on-site endocrinologist and ophthalmologist at no cost.

Helping you prevent diabetes

Did you know that Type 2 diabetes is preventable? Diabetes prevention programs offer comprehensive outpatient services for those who are at risk of developing diabetes. Your care team will review your health history, assess your learning needs, and create a personalized care plan that helps you meet your goals.

If you have prediabetes or believe you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for this program. Let us help you make lasting changes aimed at improving your health and preventing Type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes:

• Prediabetes
• Impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Inactivity (exercise less than 3 times per week)
• Smoke tobacco regularly
• History of gestational diabetes
• Given birth to at least one baby weighing 9 pounds or more
• Family background is Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander

Care for diabetes during pregnancy

This program is designed for mothers who either develop diabetes during pregnancy or have already been diagnosed with diabetes prior to pregnancy. It includes:

• An assessment with a specialist
• Two classes for diabetes management during pregnancy, covering:
  • Basic understanding of gestational diabetes
  • Identifying carbohydrates and healthy nutrition recommendations during pregnancy
  • Blood glucose testing (meter provided, if needed)
  • Training on blood glucose (sugar) target ranges and managing your blood glucose pattern
  • The importance of controlling gestational diabetes for you and your baby's best health
  • Medication instructions, if needed
  • Exercise recommendations during pregnancy
  • Postpartum care and planning for future pregnancies
  • How to reduce your risks for developing adult Type 2 diabetes
• Two nutrition therapy sessions with a dietician where you will create an individualized meal plan

Support groups

Find emotional support, discuss issues and educate yourself on a variety of related topics in the company of people who understand what you're going through.

If you are experiencing a diabetes-related medical emergency, go to the nearest ER and call 9-1-1.