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Diabetes

Finding balance throughout life’s many demands can be a challenge when living with diabetes. Even the most motivated person may struggle to manage their medications, check-ups and lifestyle changes. With the help of SSM Health, you don’t have to do it alone.

After initial testing and analysis, our team of board-certified endocrinologists, diabetes educators, registered nurses and dieticians will develop the best care plan for you, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage your diabetes.

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Self-Care for Diabetes

At SSM Health, we offer educational programs to help you learn how to better manage your disease and achieve a healthy lifestyle.

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Diabetes Support

Many of our locations offer a free diabetes support groups to share your questions and experience with others living with diabetes.

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Pediatric Endocrinology

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, our team provides diagnosis and treatment for children with complex endocrine system disorders.

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What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic illness, caused when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that works in converting sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for life’s daily activity.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes can often go undiagnosed in patients due to the commonality of its symptoms. These symptoms may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Increased fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurry vision

Types of Diabetes

How your health is managed depends on the type of diabetes you have.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart and stroke. Individuals with pre-diabetes have higher than normal glucose levels, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or any insulin at all.

  • Accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes cases
  • Usually begins during childhood or adolescence
  • Cause unknown

Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells in the body fail to respond to insulin properly. Over time, the disease progresses and the body stops producing insulin altogether.

  • Accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases
  • Primary cause is excessive body mass, not enough exercise, or both

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who do not have a previous history of diabetes. During pregnancy some women will develop a high blood glucose level. The maternity experts at SSM Health are trained to help you manage your gestational diabetes during the length of your pregnancy.

Connecting with the right care team is the first step to effectively managing your diabetes. Schedule an appointment with an SSM Health physician today and take control of your diabetes.

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