Diabetes management program in Corpus Christi

Diabetes is a life-long health challenge requiring you and your family to take responsibility for maintaining your good health. With education as the foundation, controlling diabetes is an attainable goal. Knowing each person is affected differently by diabetes, we tailor the education to satisfy your specific needs.

Our team approach provides patients with a comprehensive plan to effectively help them manage their diabetes. Our specially trained staff works with the patient, family and physician to personalize a care plan while in the hospital and provide resources after discharge.

For more information on our diabetes management program and other resources, please call (361) 290-0273.

Our diabetes services

In most cases, individuals can control their disease and lead an everyday, healthy and active life. Our skilled staff of doctors, nurses and registered dieticians provide expert medical care and attention to your diabetes management. At Corpus Christi Medical Center, our diabetes management program and nutrition counseling staff offer:

  • Patient education for people living with Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, including lifestyle modification therapy, nutritional counseling and information on insulin management
  • Clinical management of diabetes with strategies whose focus is improving quality of life and reducing complications
  • Collaboration with referring physicians to meet the needs of our community better and improve patient outcomes
  • Plans for ongoing diabetes management and referral sources post-discharge

Types of diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body has trouble producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose (sugar) processing and controlling sugar levels in the blood.

Our experts develop treatment plans for patients with various types of diabetes, including:

  • Prediabetes—This is diagnosed in people with high blood sugar levels but not high enough for a diagnosis. Prediabetes develops in both adults and children. Most times, lifestyle changes, education and medication can help prevent prediabetes from developing into full-blown diabetes.
  • Type 1 diabetes—Type 1 diabetes results when the pancreas cannot produce insulin. As a result, there are dangerously high levels of blood glucose. It is often treated with medication, usually by insulin injection. Often diagnosed in children and adults, this condition is for life.
  • Type 2 diabetes—This condition affects the body's ability to use insulin correctly. In some cases, patients can stop producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes can be treated using medication, education and lifestyle changes. In some cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended for obese patients with this diabetes type.
  • Gestational diabetes—Sometimes, women develop diabetes while pregnant, typically in the third trimester. High blood sugar levels are enough to classify the pregnancy as high risk, which increases the level of care and monitoring needed for the mother and baby.

Diabetes risk factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of diabetes, including:

  • Age—Type 1 diabetes can start in childhood or as an adult. For Type 2, the risk increases for people 45 years old and older. In women who are pregnant, the risk increases if she is 25 years old or older.
  • Being pregnant with multiples—Women who have twins, triplets, quadruplets, or any other set of multiples are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes.
  • Chronic conditions—If a person has high cholesterol, depression, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or high blood pressure, they are more prone to developing Type 2 diabetes.
  • Diet—Eating a diet high in fat, calories, and cholesterol increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
  • Family history—Having a parent with Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes increases your risk.
  • Infections—While rare, some infections can damage the pancreas and affect insulin production, causing Type 1 diabetes.
  • Insulin resistance—Conditions that affect your body's ability to produce and regulate insulin can increase your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
  • Physical inactivity or being overweight—Obesity or lack of exercise over time can lead to an increased risk for Type 2 or gestational diabetes.
  • Race—African-Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Pacific Islanders and Asian-American groups are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes treatment

Diabetes treatment depends on the type and severity. Consistently eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising are lifestyle choices that can help manage diabetes. Monitoring your blood sugar, regulating insulin and taking medication may also play a role in your diabetes care plan.