The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center focuses on disease management, education and prevention, as well as the treatment of many other endocrine disorders. The center is staffed by Cleveland Clinic endocrinologists, diabetes educators, nurses and dietitians who are dedicated to helping you manage your condition.
What are endocrine disorders?
The body’s endocrine system consists of a complex group of glands that produce hormones, which are responsible for controlling everything from reproduction and metabolism to growth and development.
The endocrine system consists of the following glands: thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus.
Individuals with health problems related to their glands see endocrinologists to help regulate their hormones. Endocrinologists can help restore the normal balance of hormones in the body’s system.
Conditions typically treated by endocrinologists:
- Thyroid disorders (such as hyper and hypothyroidism)
- Metabolic disorders
- Osteoporosis and calcium disorders
- Lipid disorders (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL)
- Tumors of the endocrine glands
- Over or under production of hormones
- Erectile dysfunction
Diabetes Overview & Resources
Who can get diabetes?
Anyone can get diabetes. However, there are certain factors that can make you more at risk for diabetes. People who have close relatives with the disease are somewhat more likely to develop it. The risk of developing diabetes also increases as people grow older. People who are over 40 and overweight are more likely to develop diabetes. So are people of African-American, Hispanic or Asian heritage. Also, women who develop diabetes while pregnant are more likely to develop other types of diabetes later in life.
While severity of symptoms can vary, many people with diabetes may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Fatigue (feeling weak, tired)
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger (especially after eating)
- Increased thirst
- Dry and itchy skin
- Skin infections
- Dry mouth
- Change in vision
- Slow healing wounds/cuts
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain (not related to eating habits)
In some cases there are no diabetes symptoms – this can happen with type 2 diabetes. In this case, people can live for months, even years without knowing they have the disease.
Who can benefit from Diabetes Education?
All persons with diabetes benefit from diabetes education. Learning self-management skills to help control diabetes can optimize your ability to live a productive and satisfying life. Through education and counseling, you and your family will learn practical information about your health.
Some of the topics covered include diet, medications and monitoring. During the classes, you will learn about healthy lifestyle changes, healthy nutrition, blood glucose monitoring and interpretation, medications for diabetes and problem solving.
Lakewood Hospital Diabetes & Endocrine Center is dedicated to providing quality diabetes education. Our unique group classes are held regularly and offer education in all aspects of diabetes management. We also provide many educational materials for those with diabetes and those interested in diabetes management.
Diabetes Support Groups
Support groups form a bridge between formal healthcare and self-management. The diabetes support group gives insights on new ideas and effective forms of coping with the disease. Meetings address a variety of topics, which are frequently suggested by the group, past speakers discussed medical issues or new diabetes products that are of interest to the group. Aspects of diabetes self-management are also discussed.
Accepting information and advice from others dealing with diabetes may be easier than accepting the same advice from a healthcare professional. The common bond among members makes expressing and dealing with emotions possible. Studies have shown that attending a diabetes support group can reduce stress, improve family functioning and have a positive effect on blood sugar control.
Your diabetes healthcare team consists of your physician, nurse educator, dietitian and yourself. We believe that together this team can provide the ongoing support needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The diabetes educators at Lakewood Hospital Diabetes & Endocrine Center are committed to the concept of quality patient education. Our goal is to assist you in gaining confidence as you embark on this lifelong journey of healthcare.
Through the diabetes self-management program, you will learn how to:
- Make healthy food choices
- Keep blood sugar in check
- Incorporate exercise into your life
- Care for personal needs
- Make smart decisions about medication
Diabetes education may be reimbursable when your attendance is by physician referral. Your individual insurance policy defines the extent of your coverage. Due to new governmental guidelines, prospective patients should consult the "Health Insurance Update: Protections for People with Diabetes" links to understand new coverage options available to persons with diabetes.
Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices, about the size of a pager, that you wear on your belt or put in your pocket. They have a small flexible tube (called a catheter) with a fine needle at the end. The needle is inserted under the skin of your abdomen and taped in place. A carefully measured, steady flow of insulin is released into the tissue.
The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center is equipped with the latest insulin pump technology. Eligible patients may receive an insulin pump per their physician's recommendation.
The cause of gestational diabetes is unknown but there is some evidence that explains why some women develop the disease. As the placenta helps the baby to grow, some hormones block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. Gestational diabetes starts when the body is unable to produce and use the needed insulin during pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes affect on your baby
Gestational diabetes does not cause birth defects. If gestational diabetes is poorly controlled or untreated it could hurt your baby. Your baby may be likely to have problems at birth could include:
- Low sugar levels
- Breathing problems
- Baby weighing more than normal.
Gestational Diabetes treatment
Patients referred by their OB physician can be seen for treatments, including:
- Diabetes education
- Nutritional counseling
- Medication management
- Timely physician/midwife communication.