Understanding and Controlling Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or are wondering if you might have the disease, Alta Bates Summit can help. We offer a multitude of services to help you identify and take control of diabetes so that you can live a healthier life.

Affecting nearly 17 million Americans (6% of total population), many who don't even know they have the disease, diabetes can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, amputation, blindness, and even death. Diabetes affects your body's ability to either produce or properly use insulin and are categorized by two kinds: Type 1 and Type 2.

• Type 1: In this form of the disease that most often strikes children and young adults, the body does not produce any insulin. To stay alive, Type 1 diabetics must take daily insulin injections. Type 1 diabetes represents 5 to 10 percent of diabetics.
  
• Type 2: Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. Due to the increasing number of older Americans who are overweight and don't exercise, Type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions.

While scientists have not yet determined the cause of diabetes, they do know that both genetics and such environmental factors as obesity and sedentary lifestyles play a part in developing the disease. More than one million new cases are diagnosed each year.

Studies show that diabetics live healthier lives when they have help from a healthcare team. We work with you and your doctor, providing the services and support you need so that together we can control your disease.