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Diabetes Care

Learning to live well with diabetes

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose), which can lead to serious health complications if not managed effectively. This condition arises when the body is unable to properly produce or utilize insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. 

Pediatric diabetes patient with a doctor in Baltimore Maryland

There are three main types of diabetes, each with distinct characteristics: 

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Often identified in children and young adults, this type occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type of diabetes, typically recognized in adults, results from the body’s resistance to insulin or insufficient insulin production. 
  • Gestational Diabetes: This type develops in some women during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, though it may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

A condition known as prediabetes serves as a warning sign. In prediabetes, blood sugar levels are elevated above normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. 

Individuals with diabetes may experience a range of symptoms, which can include: 

  • Frequent or excessive urination 
  • Increased thirst and hunger 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Fatigue 
  • Unexplained weight loss 
  • Slow-healing wounds 
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are not experiencing symptoms but have a family member with diabetes, it is important that you see your healthcare provider for a yearly screening. Managing diabetes is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing potential complications. 

How Can LifeBridge Health Help?

LifeBridge Health offers four Diabetes Self-Management Education Support Services Programs, all of which are recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. 

WHERE TO FIND US

Hospital

Grace Medical Specialty Clinic

2000 W. Baltimore St.
3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21223
United States

410-362-3400
Hospital

The Diabetes & Nutrition Center at Northwest Hospital

5401 Old Court Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
United States

410-601-5458
Hospital

The Diabetes Resource Center at Sinai Hospital

2435 W. Belvedere Ave.
Suite 51
Baltimore, MD 21215
United States

410-601-6661

At these centers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians and nurses work with patients to identify and reduce their risk of diabetic complications. Beyond disease management, our teams help patients continue to live full lives through educational programs, personalized healthcare plans and guided lifestyle changes. 

 

Your self-management plan may include: 

Education about the disease process and treatment options via group classes or one-on-one counseling

Meal planning

Physical activity

Medication management

Glucose monitoring

Pump technology and advanced carbohydrate counting

Education about how to prevent acute complications

Detecting and treating chronic complications

Day-to-day disease management

Lifestyle and behavior changes

Join a Program 

 

To get started with one of our programs, request an order from your primary care provider or contact the center closest to you for assistance.  

 

Our group classes offer a comfortable, supportive setting where patients can learn more about their condition and how to make important lifestyle changes. If you prefer personalized education, our self-management course offers one-on-one instruction that includes an introductory two-hour session and several follow-up sessions. Please note that Medicare will not pay for private instruction but will pay for group glasses. 

Maternal Fetal Program at Sinai

The Maternal Fetal Program at Sinai also supports gestational diabetes management for those who need it.  

Pregnant women and her doctor at the diabetes resource center

Patient Services

Diabetes Support Group

The LifeBridge Health Diabetes Education and Support Group at Carroll Hospital meets monthly. Participation is free and open to all. For more information on the support group meetings, call 410-871-7000.

Support Group

Preconception Counseling

If you have diabetes and are planning to conceive, Carroll Hospital strongly recommends preconception counseling to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. You’ll learn to establish good blood control during pregnancy and how to make essential diet, exercise and medication modifications. 

Women and her doctor reviewing diabetes tools

Insulin Initiation and Dosing Services

Diabetes patients who require insulin injections will benefit from this hands-on private session. Learn how to appropriately dose and inject insulin, treat hypoglycemia and achieve optimum glucose control. 

Women testing her insulin

Related Services

Endocrinology

Managing your diabetes starts with the right provider. Our expert team of endocrinologists are here to guide you through your care. 

Virtual Diabetes Management

LifeBridge Health’s Virtual Diabetes Management service connects you with a provider trained to help manage your diabetes effectively from the comfort of your home. We provide personalized guidance and support to ensure you can lead a healthy, active life.

Nutrition

LifeBridge Health offers diabetes nutrition programs for people with diabetes and other medical conditions that can be improved through nutritional counseling, diet and lifestyle changes. Through our one-on-one evaluations and group classes, we can help you better manage your health. 

Wound Care

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine offers a variety of services to patients who are suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds caused by diabetes.