Diagnosis
A team of qualified physicians and advanced practitioners, trained in the field of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, determine if a patient has diabetes, most commonly by measuring the glucose level in the blood. Some patients with diabetes may not experience symptoms, but high glucose levels are a certain indicator of the disease.
Springfield Clinic’s team currently includes six doctors, supported by a qualified team of advanced practitioners. These providers serve as the patient’s team leader and coordinate the patient’s care, especially when other medical experts need to be involved in treatment.
The Diabetes Wellness Center also includes two specialists in pediatric endocrinology, who provide care to diabetic patients under the age of 18.
Treatment
The Diabetes Wellness Center surrounds the patient with the medical expertise necessary to address the patient’s disease and specific symptoms. Specialists in the field of endocrinology, nephrology (kidney diseases), ophthalmology (eye diseases), podiatry (foot health) and others work as a team to determine the patient’s medical needs and make certain each patient receives appropriate care.
Living well with diabetes requires regular tests, examinations and procedures. The medical team at Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Wellness Center will help coordinate regular blood testing, blood pressure reading, cholesterol checks and other diagnostics. Treatment will include regular eye exams and foot exams, and regular dental checkups will be recommended.
Providers at the Diabetes Wellness Center will ensure patients receive appropriate vaccinations and help monitor all medication prescribed.
Education
Learning about diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer healthier life. It’s extremely important for patients to know they can be in control of their diabetes and effectively manage the disease. Day to day, meal to meal, and activity to activity, patients with diabetes determine the outcome of their own health.
At Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Wellness Center, patients also interact with a team of Certified Diabetes Educators and a Registered Dietitian that specializes in diabetes education. These staff members are certified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition in collaboration with their provider.
Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Learning Center provides a wide variety of interactive education classes that focus on nutrition, self-management, lifestyle and support. For patients whose condition requires insulin pumps or continuous glucose, classes are available to teach patients how to use their equipment. Patients interested in learning how to read nutrition labels have that option as well.
Support
In addition to a multi-disciplinary approach to medical treatment, education and self-management, patients can also expect additional support at Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Wellness Center. Several support groups, designed to meet the needs of various types of patients, are available at no cost. Of course, the new Center also offers one-on-one appointments to assess needs related to goal setting, school planning, financial assistance for medication, transportation, mental health counseling, insurance questions and other needs.
Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Wellness Center takes the ultimate team approach to helping patients live happier, healthier and longer lives following a diabetes diagnosis. While diabetes is a very common disease, the team at Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Wellness Center believes each person requires a care plan customized to their unique needs.
