Diabetes Management

With services across Mobile and Baldwin counties, our diabetes team can provide you the care you need.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body makes or uses insulin, which turns sugar into energy. More than 10 percent of American adults have diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. It requires monitoring your blood sugar and administering multiple daily insulin injections with a pen, syringe, or pump. An individual is typically born with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2, diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin or use it well. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with a balanced diet, an active lifestyle, and medications.

Diabetes can also occur as a side effect of pregnancy--this is known as gestational diabetes.

Undiagnosed diabetes symptoms can include:

• Blurry vision
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tiredness
• Unintentional weight change

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to:

• Amputation
• Blindness
• Kidney disease
• Numbness in extremities
• Increased risk for stroke & heart attack

Treatment and Management

Diabetes management is incredibly important for individuals who have been diagnosed. Infirmary Health provides patients with management programs in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Diagnostic & Medical Clinic Diabetes Resource Program

As Alabama's largest private multi-specialty clinic, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic's Diabetes Resource Program provides outpatient support to patients who have been diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This program is staffed by advanced practice providers and supervising physicians. Individuals can receive support on a variety of topics, including by not limited to

• Diabetes education
• Blood sugar monitoring
• Lifestyle management
• Medication instruction
• Support with glucose monitors

To schedule an appointment with Diagnostic & Medical Clinic's Diabetes Resource Program, please call 251-435-1106. This program is available in Midtown Mobile, West Mobile, Saraland, and Daphne.

North Baldwin Infirmary Diabetes Education and Prevention Center

Staffed by a registered nurse, the center provides instruction in

• Diabetes knowledge
• Managing diabetes
• Using your medications
• Monitoring blood sugar
• Good life habits such as diets and exercise

The center offers the CDC-certified Live Better, Live Healthier program to the general public at no cost to the patient. This program provides information on how to prevent diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Call (251) 580-1796 to register.

Besides the Live Better, Live Healthier program, the NBI Diabetes Education and Prevention Center is by appointment only upon a physician referral.

For more information, please contact Jackie Jeffers, Diabetes Educator at
(251) 580-1796 or Jackie.jeffers@infirmaryhealth.org.