Diabetes care at St. Vincent’s
Diabetes is a serious metabolic disease in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (sugar). Glucose backs up in the bloodstream, causing the blood glucose to rise too high. Over time, this can cause damage to the blood vessels and vital organs.
Diabetes - myths vs. fact
At St. Vincent’s, we understand the extensive impact diabetes’ near-epidemic number of cases is having on our community and nation. It’s estimated that about 24 million people in the United States have the disease and of these, around 6 million are unaware they have it. Myths about diabetes are many, and it is important to be able to distinguish these from the realities of the disease.
Diabetes - type I and type II
Diabetes is generally divided into two basic forms, diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. These two types are unrelated in their cause but share one important component: both stem from how effectively the body produces or uses insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas that is essential to the body’s ability to use glucose. In addition, the two types of diabetes share similar signs and symptoms. It is therefore vital that a physician should be consulted if any of these are being experienced.
Diagnosing diabetes
St. Vincent’s skilled doctors and specialists diagnose and treat their diabetes patients drawing on the most advanced developments in diabetes research that yield safe, proven results. Always vigilant to its potential presence, they know early treatment along with lifestyle information can increase life expectancy for diabetes patients as well as retard or prevent instances of organ damage or loss of a foot or limb due to infection or difficulty with wound healing.
Contact us
To find a St. Vincent’s physician who can discuss your health concerns or those of a loved one, please click on our FIND A DOCTOR tool and search by specialty, practice, location or keyword. We’re here to help you locate the medical expert you need.
To speak with a St. Vincent's Care Line representative, call (877) 255-7847
To speak with someone at the front desk of the Medical Center, please call (203) 576-6000
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