Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect every aspect of your life. Fortunately, Emerson Hospital offers expert diagnostic, medical management, and education and support services to help you control your diabetes and achieve the highest level of wellness possible.

The types of diabetes we see at Emerson

Our team of endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators work with adults with all types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy)
• Pre-diabetes (when blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes)

The diabetes services we provide at Emerson

Our aim is to empower patients to understand, monitor and manage their diabetes effectively so they can achieve and maintain optimal health and quality of life. We do this through:

• Medical management, which includes the use of medications and advanced technology such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose sensors
• Diabetes education and coaching by certified diabetes educators who work one-on-one with patients to help them understand their condition, integrate self-care behaviors in their daily lives, and work toward the best diabetes control possible
• Through our affiliation with Mass General for Children, we also have a pediatric endocrinologist on staff to provide care for adolescent patients.
• Support services and groups, including a wide range of community health and wellness programs and classes that can help you learn about maintaining your health and managing diabetes effectively

Because complications from diabetes can affect various parts of your body — such as your eyes and circulation — we also make sure you have the appropriate specialists on your health care team, such as ophthalmologists for vision care and podiatrists for foot care.

In addition, bariatric (weight-loss) surgery may be an option for resolving type 2 diabetes in certain individuals, and we can provide a referral to the Emerson Health Center for Weight Loss so you can learn more.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Workshop

This interactive program provides the knowledge needed for participants to understand and take care of their own diabetes with as much independence as they would like. Class topics include a diabetes overview, health eating, medications and complications. We tailor instruction to both the newly diagnosed as well as those who have had diabetes for a long time.

In the first year of this comprehensive program, participants will receive up to ten hours of diabetes self-management classes plus up to three hours of nutritional education. In subsequent years, we continue to provide diabetes-focused and nutritional education. After an initial personalized education assessment, sessions can take place either in a classroom or an independent setting, while some sessions will take place online. Because we believe that support is crucial to well-being, family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend classes and appointments if desired.

The class is hosted by the Emerson Health Agarwal Diabetes Center and is currently applying for American Diabetes Association recognition. The program is usually covered by insurance, so please check with your provider. A referral from your primary care physician is often required. For questions, please call the diabetes center at 978-287-8590.

Diabetes Podcast

In this episode of our Health Works Here podcast, we explore the two most common types of diabetes and discuss the causes, symptoms and treatments for each.

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health