Nearly 21 million Americans suffer from diabetes and an estimated 1.5 million more will be diagnosed in the coming year, making diabetes the fastest growing disease in America. What’s more, an estimated 54 million people have pre-diabetes, which puts people at risk for diabetes and causes health complications of its own.

In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t properly use insulin. Insulin helps the body convert blood sugar, or glucose, into energy. When too much glucose builds up in the bloodstream, it can lead to kidney, eye and nerve problems. Diabetes also puts people at risk for heart disease and stroke. In pre-diabetes, people have higher than normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. New research shows that heart and circulatory damage can occur even during pre-diabetes, and self-management and treatment at this stage is essential to preventing both diabetes and serious complications.  

While diabetes and pre-diabetes are serious conditions, they can be managed with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, medication, and a healthy diet and exercise. At the Mercy Diabetes Treatment Center, diabetes experts work with patients to help them understand the disease, control symptoms and minimize risk for complications. Because diabetes is a complex disease that can affect many organs and systems, the Diabetes Treatment Center works collaboratively with Mercy’s other highly skilled specialists to deliver integrated, comprehensive care.

Recognized for excellence by the American Diabetes Association, the Diabetes Treatment Center is a convenient, comprehensive clinic offering leading-edge care and support. Whether patients are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, the compassionate team at the Diabetes Treatment Center provides the education, support and medical resources to help people manage the condition and live a healthy, active and complication-free life.