Conditions & Treatments

What is Diabetes?

When you eat, your body breaks food down into the nutrients you need – carbohydrates (including sugar), proteins, fats and vitamins. The pancreas, one of the major organs in your body, is essential to this breakdown process. It secretes a hormone called insulin, which helps convert sugar (glucose) into the energy your body needs to function. Diabetes is when your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes and too much glucose collects in your blood.

Are There Different Types of Diabetes?

There are 4 main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: Sometimes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, and the result is type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes usually develops in children and young adults.
• Type 2 diabetes: When the body cannot make enough insulin or the insulin isn’t used correctly (insulin resistance), type 2 diabetes results.
• Gestational diabetes: This form of diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy.
• Prediabetes: When blood tests show an increase in blood glucose that indicates a risk for diabetes.

Diabetes Treatment & Care

At Banner Health, we have a variety of tools and tips to help you manage your diabetes successfully.

What Diabetes Services are Available?

We offer the following diabetes services:

• Blood sugar testing
• Implantation and management of continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps
• Self-management classes and information
• Support groups
• Treatment for related complications, including wound care

Who Treats my Diabetes-Related Condition?

At Banner Health, we bring together all the specialists you need to manage your diabetes. Our expertise covers all your symptoms and treatment options with team members that include:

• Cardiologists
• Dietitians
• Endocrinologists
• Nephrologists
• Obstetricians
• Ophthalmologists
• Surgeons
• Weight loss specialists

How Do I Manage My Diabetes?

You’re the most important member of your health care team when it comes to managing your diabetes to avoid complications. If you have diabetes, you need to take good care of yourself – 24 hours a day. But we'll be here to get you started and to provide guidance and support along the way.

5 tips to help manage your diabetes:

• Make healthy food choices – your dietitian can help with suggestions and meal plans
• Stay active
• Test your blood sugar regularly
• Get routine checkups
• If you are on medication, take it as directed