Diabetes care services in Tulsa, OK
At Hillcrest Medical Center, we provide diabetes care services at our Center for Diabetes Management. Our diabetes center is accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). This means that when you come to us for care, you can expect exceptional services delivered by our team of diabetes care and education specialists, which includes registered nurses, dietitians, and certified physicians. We understand that your care should be tailored to your needs, which is why we develop individualized diabetes treatment plans for every patient that comes through our doors. Our comprehensive diabetes program includes healthy eating tactics, physical activity, self-blood glucose monitoring, medications, resources for diabetes education, and reducing risks to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for years, our accredited staff is here to help make it easier to live with diabetes.
Types of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods we eat into energy to be used by the body. There are multiple types of diabetes, including:
- Gestational diabetes — This form of diabetes only develops in pregnant women who are between 24 to 48 weeks of gestation. About one in every 20 pregnant women develops gestational diabetes (GDM), which starts when your body is unable to produce and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose then builds up in the blood to high levels.
- Type 1 diabetes — This form of diabetes occurs when the body stops making insulin. If this happens, you will need to take insulin injections to live and be healthy. Type 1 diabetes happens most often in children and adults under 30 years old, but it may develop at any age.
- Type 2 diabetes — With type two diabetes, there are two issues. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and cells respond poorly to insulin and therefore take in less sugar. This insulin resistance results in glucose building up in the bloodstream, which causes high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes most often occurs in adults at any age, and it is often hereditary.
For more information about our services, please call 918-579-3385.
Our diabetes treatments and services
Our diabetes care and education specialists understand that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient with diabetes. Instead, our team of highly trained dietitians and nurses will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. We offer the following treatments and services at the Center for Diabetes Management:
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) — CGM helps track your glucose levels at regular intervals, 24/7. This system will alert you if your levels get too high or too low.
- Diabetes education — Group classes or one-on-one support sessions allow patients to learn the skills they need to take control of their diabetes, lower their A1c, and live healthier lives. We offer group and individual classes at Hillcrest Medical Center. We also offer individual appointments at Hillcrest Claremore.
- Individual consultations — With individual consultations, we can create a specific care plan to focus on your unique needs and concerns. Topics that may be discussed at your consultation include weight loss tactics, reducing cholesterol, your insulin to carb ratio, carb counting, specialized meal plans, portion control, medication timing, CGM, and more.
- Insulin pump management — An insulin pump is a small computerized device that takes the place of your pancreas. This device delivers a continuous dose of insulin in two ways: small doses of insulin in a steady, measured dose (basal rate), and “on demand” doses around mealtimes (bolus dose).
- Medication management — Depending on what type of diabetes you have, an insulin pump and oral medications may play a role in your treatment plan.
- Pre-diabetes education — These one-on-one sessions are conducted by a registered dietician and usually last about one hour. Primary topics discussed include weight loss, healthy eating, portion control, and the importance of exercise.
- Risk factor modification — Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and participating in regular physical activity are important factors in managing diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes education — These sessions consist of two classes, taught by a diabetes educator. Classes are scheduled one week apart. Both classes are two hours long, and are offered at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Class topics include healthy eating, exercise, acute and chronic complications, medications, problem-solving, goal-setting, and ongoing support planning. We emphasize blood glucose monitoring and provide training for patients who are new to using glucometers.
A doctor’s referral is required in order to make an appointment at the Center for Diabetes Management at Hillcrest Medical Center. After we receive your referral, our staff will confirm your insurance benefits, then call you to schedule an appointment. Many insurance plans including Medicaid and Medicare cover these services for their members.
