Diabetes Center

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, Alta Bates Summit Diabetes Center 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.

The American Diabetes Association recognizes the Alta Bates Summit Diabetes Center for meeting the national standards of excellence in diabetes education.

Pre-diabetes is the condition that causes blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This occurs when the insulin your body produces does not work as well as it should and/or your body doesn't respond to insulin like it should. It indicates that your blood glucose (sugar) is elevated, putting you at a greater risk for developing diabetes in the near future. By coming to the Diabetes Center we can help you get on the right track and teach you how to reduce that risk and improve your overall health.

Diabetes affects nearly 24 million Americans (almost 8% of total population), many of whom 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: This form of the disease most often strikes children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce any insulin. As a result, type 1 diabetics must take daily insulin injections in order to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes represents 5-10% of all diabetics.
• Type 2: This is the most common form of the disease. It is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body’s inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. Type 2 diabetes represents 85-90% of all people with diabetes and can be treated with diet, exercise, and oral medication or insulin.

While scientists have not yet determined the cause of diabetes, they do know that both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyles play a part in developing the disease. More than 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Diabetes is more than just high blood sugar and it affects many parts of the body. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to stroke, blindness, heart attacks, and kidney failure. The Diabetes Center is here to help you take control and live a longer, healthier life.

Studies show that people with diabetes 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.