Diabetes Care
Diabetes can sometimes feel like an uphill grind, but you can learn to control it daily. We can help.
Diabetes is the result of your body either not producing enough insulin or not using what is produced correctly, causing your sugar levels to be too high. This results in high blood sugar, which can cause serious health problems that can impact the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. Insulin is a hormone that can offset the effects of diabetes. It works to convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy your body uses to function normally.
If you have diabetes, you're one of 26 million Americans, children and adults, living with this lifelong disease. But with proper treatment, you can live an active, healthy, and long life.
About Us
Dignity Health Southern California works to provide health care that makes you feel better. It really is that simple. We do this through eight world-class hospitals in an area that stretches from near the ocean to downtown Los Angeles, from the heart of the San Fernando Valley east toward the Verdugo Mountains, and out into the Inland Empire.
There are several types of diabetes. The two main types are Type 1 and Type 2. Before you develop Type 2, you almost always develop pre-diabetes. This occurs when your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. There is also diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. In all cases there is an insulin problem, but for different reasons. We can help.
Type 1 is a genetic condition that often shows up early in life, occurring when the pancreas does not make any or enough insulin. Currently, 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1. Those with type 1 diabetes must use insulin everyday to live. Often, family history of type 1 plays a part in those who develop it.
Type 2 is a result of the body not responding as it usually would to insulin. The blood cells do not respond to the insulin created by the pancreas resulting in a rise in blood sugar. According to the CDC, 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2, and it most often develops in people over the age of 45. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that is a result of blood sugar levels being higher than normal, but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. An estimated 96 million adults in the United States have prediabetes. Prediabetes may not have any clear symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about testing your blood sugar if you have any of the following risk factors:
Diabetes Symptoms
It is important to also know the signs of type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about blood sugar testing if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
To learn more about our services, visit our hospital page for Southern California, or use our online feature, Find a Doctor tool.
