Diabetes Services

 
The Florida Hospital Diabetes and Endocrinology practice are premier caregivers of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thyroid, and endocrine diseases. The Diabetes Center offers classes and individual consultations to help patients become more skilled in diabetes self-management, as well as insulin and gestational diabetes management. The Diabetes Center Exercise Program is geared to meet the fitness needs of diabetes patients by providing an exercise center equipped with fitness machines to help patients who strive to meet their goals.  For more information or a physician referral, click here or call 407-303-4HER.
 
Women & Diabetes

Almost 21 million Americans have diabetes, of which 9.7 million are women. Another 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, most of who are unaware of their condition. Recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability, diabetes affects almost every part of the body and is responsible for numerous complications including blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, strokes, kidney failure, amputations and nerve damage.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to produce or effectively use insulin. Insulin is necessary to provide fuel to the body and people with diabetes either produce little or no insulin, or do not respond to the insulin their cells are producing.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5% to 10 % of all diabetes cases and most often develops in childhood. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body fails to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases and usually develops in adulthood. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to effectively use insulin. Pre-diabetes occurs when high blood glucose levels are present, but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
 
Gestational Diabetes in Women who are Pregnant
 
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or is unable to use all of the insulin needed during pregnancy. Approximately 2-5% of all pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. A physician should administer a glucose screening and tolerance test during pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes.  If detected early and treated properly, mothers with gestational diabetes have an excellent chance of having an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Gestational diabetes disappears after pregnancy, but women with gestational diabetes who are obese before pregnancy have a 40% risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within four years.
The Gestational Diabetes Program at Florida Hospital uses a multidisciplinary team approach in collaboration with your primary care physician to help you manage your diabetes during pregnancy. For more information about our Gestational Diabetes Program, call the Florida Hospital Diabetes Center at 407 303-2822 or click here .
 
Warning signs of Type 1 diabetes include:
  • Increased thirst or hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Labored, abnormal breathing
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness (rare)
Warning signs of Type 2 diabetes include:
  • Slow-healing sores or cuts
  • Itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area)
  • Yeast infections
  • Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin
  • Changes (blurring) vision
  • Recent weight gain
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands and feet
  • High blood glucose levels

Complications from diabetes include:

Heart disease and stroke - 65% of all diabetes-related deaths are a result of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths and people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke.

High Blood Pressure - 73% of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or require prescription medication for hypertension.

Blindness - Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults accounting for 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year.

Kidney disease - Diabetes is the number one cause of treated end-stage renal disease, making up 43% of all new cases.
Nervous system damage - Impaired sensation or pain in the feet or hands affects 60% to 70% of people with diabetes.
In 2000, nearly 130,000 people with diabetes faced dialysis or received a kidney transplant.
 
Can I Prevent Diabetes?
 
Diabetes may be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight and by exercising regularly. While diabetes can't be cured, it can be controlled. People with Type 1 diabetes are advised to carefully monitor their diets and take daily insulin shots. People with Type 2 diabetes may be treated with oral medications or may control their blood sugar through diet and exercise. If oral medications, diet and exercise prove ineffective, those with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin.

There are several proactive steps that can help you manage diabetes:

  • Keep blood glucose levels in check by balancing food intake with medication and activity
  • Maintain your blood cholesterol and triglyceride (lipid) levels by reducing saturated fat and cholesterol (decrease
  • the total amount of fat to 30% or less of your total daily calories)
  • Control your blood pressure. Ideal blood pressure is 125/80 or less
  • Plan what you eat and follow a balanced meal plan
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take medication, if prescribed, and closely follow the guidelines on how and when to take it
  • Monitor your blood glucose and blood pressure levels at home
  • Keep your appointments with your healthcare providers and laboratory tests as ordered by your doctor

For more information on the Florida Hospital Diabetes Center, visit call us at 407 303-2822 . For a physician referral or to schedule a consultation, click here or call 407 303-4HER.

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