Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's production of glucose and insulin levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Type 2, gestational and prediabetes are all a result of an excess amount of sugar in the blood (high glucose levels).
Diabetes specialists in Nashville, Tennessee
Our specialists treat diabetes and prediabetes with expert care.
Our diabetes experts help control your symptoms and minimize your risk for complications. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes or even prediabetes, we can offer the personalized treatment plan you need.
Diabetes warning signs
Diabetes may be reversible if treated early enough. So if you think you or a loved one may have diabetes, it's important to see a specialist as soon as possible. Common warning signs include:
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss
Diabetes treatment and management
It's important for you to know how vital self-care is in controlling diabetes. Our education and support programs can assist you in learning how to manage your diabetes.
Diabetes education
Our individual and group classes help you gain a sense of control over your body and the disease with information and tips on topics such as:
- Foot care
- Exercise goals
- Eye care
- Glucose monitoring
- Medication and insulin pump management
- Meal planning
Diabetes education for children
Our Diabetes Education Program at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital equips kids with diabetes self-care management skills. This helps improve their quality of life, reduce emergency room visits and connect with additional resources for ongoing support.
Our program works in collaboration with TriStar Medical Group Children’s Specialists. It is also accredited by The American Association of Diabetes Educators for excellence in care.
Diabetes medication management
In addition to diabetes education and support, medication can be an effective way to improve your diabetes symptoms. Medication, such as insulin, can be used to lower blood sugar levels when lifestyle changes alone aren't enough. Our diabetes specialists work with you to make sure you have the right dosage and understand how to administer insulin.
Treating diabetic wounds
Diabetes can cause poor circulation, which often results in wounds that are slow to heal. These wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, can be painful and lead to serious infection if not treated properly. We offer advanced wound care to make sure your wounds heal without complications. Some treatments we offer include infection control, skin grafting and negative pressure wound therapy.
Pediatric weight management program
Through TriStar Centennial's Center for Weight Management, a fully accredited bariatric surgery center, we offer a comprehensive program to evaluate and care for your diabetic children and adolescents.
The program's multidisciplinary care team includes:
- Bariatric surgeons
- Exercise physiologists
- Genetics experts
- Pediatric cardiologists
- Pediatric endocrinologists
- Pediatric orthopedic specialists
- Psychologists
- Registered dietitians
- Registered nurses
About the types of diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin (a hormone that balances your blood sugar levels). This can lead to a buildup of sugar in the blood, causing complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision problems and kidney disease.
Types of diabetes include:
What is Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic disease that prohibits the pancreas from producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented and currently has no cure.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of the disease. People with this condition make insulin, but their cells are unable to properly use it, leading to insulin resistance. The pancreas tries to overcompensate for this and produces more insulin to get glucose into the cells. Eventually the pancreas cannot keep production up, leading to high blood sugar levels.
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Read our blogs to learn about preventive care and ways you can lead a healthier lifestyle.