Diabetes Management

With services all over Baldwin and Mobile Counties, our diabetes team can provide you the care you need to improve your life.

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-speciality clinic, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic's diabetes resource program provides outpatient support 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 too

• 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.

Mobile Infirmary Diabetes Education and Resource Center

Located in Mobile and directed by a board-certified endocrinologist, the Center treats patients that have been diagnosed with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. The Center is staffed by specialist endocrinologists, registered dieticians and registered nurses with diabetes education certificates.

After discharge, diabetes patients are welcome to use the Inpatient Diabetes Education and Resource Center. The purpose of this center is to provide resources and knowledge to ensure diabetes have a successful transition back to normal life as a diabetic.

The center provides comprehensive diabetes education for groups and individuals by appointment only covering such topics as:

• An overview of diabetes
• Eating habits
• Diabetes medication instruction
• Exercise routines
• Behavioral therapy
• Prevention of complications

For more information, call (251) 435-2785 or email inquiries to diabetesresourcecenter@infirmaryhealth.org.

Thomas Hospital Diabetes Center

The purpose of this center is to provide diabetes education to patients with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. The Center’s staff consists of a registered dietician and registered nurse. The focus of the center is to teach patients with diabetes how to control it in their everyday lives.

Individuals are taught:

• General information about diabetes
• How to monitor their diabetes
• Care for and use their insulin
• Meal prep and diet
• Exercise

Like the other centers, a physician referral is required, and all education classes are by appointment only.

For more information, call (251) 279-1700. Our hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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 does offer the CDC-certified Live Better, Live Healthier program to the general public for no cost. This program provides information on how to prevent diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Call today to register.

Besides the Live Better, Live Healthier program, this Center is also by appointment only upon a physician referral.

Call Infirmary Health’s Diabetes experts to get you back on track to healthy living. (251) 435-2400.