Diabetes is a common health condition that can impact people of all ages. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, getting the right medical care is crucial to managing this condition.
At South Shore Hospital, our diabetes specialists are committed to ensuring you get the diabetes care you need. While there is no cure for diabetes, treatment, education, support, and a healthy lifestyle can help you live a life as uninterrupted as possible.
Diabetes, Explained
- Diabetes is a health condition that impacts how your body changes food into energy.
- Dialysis is a treatment that does some of the tasks normally performed by the kidneys.
- Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, which is a system in the body that controls hormones.
If you or your loved one is living with diabetes, South Shore Hospital provides high-quality and compassionate diabetes care, treatment, and support.
Experienced Doctors
Complete primary care services, from routine check-ups and preventive care at five affiliated neighborhood clinics and affiliated physicians.
Friendly Staff
Excellent and personable physicians, nurses, and professional staff. Transportation Services for seniors and disabled patients at affiliated clinics and the hospital.
Diabetes Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a common condition — but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to understand. At South Shore Hospital, we’re here to guide you and your loved ones during diagnosis and treatment to ensure you have the answers and care you need.
Here are some frequently asked questions about diabetes.
COVID-19 and South Shore Hospital FAQ
There are two types of diabetes — type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is likely caused by an immune reaction, causing the body to mistakenly attack itself. Though risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not completely clear, you may be more at risk if you have a family history of diabetes. Additionally, it’s more common for white Americans to develop type 1 diabetes compared to African Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans.
Type 2 diabetes has clearer risk factors, including if you:
- Have prediabetes (when your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be)
- Are over 45 years old
- Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Engage in physical activity less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes when you are pregnant)
- Have given birth to a baby over 9 pounds
- Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native
Diabetes can affect many aspects of your health, which is why it’s crucial to live a healthy lifestyle and stay up-to-date with medical appointments.
Finding the right place for care is just the first step of managing your diabetes. It’s also important to learn about diabetes and how to control it in order to save time and money and avoid health complications down the road.
At South Shore, we can help provide you with education and support as well as important diabetes resources to help you manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.
Without the right care and support, diabetes complications can occur. Possible complications include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Heart problems
- Hearing and vision loss
- Oral health concerns, such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease
- Foot ulcers (sores or wounds in your feet)
- Mental health concerns, such as depression, stress, and anxiety
Diabetes management starts with managing your blood sugar — and that begins with a healthy diet. If you have diabetes, eating healthy foods at the right times throughout the day can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
While you won’t have to completely avoid your favorite foods, it’s important to monitor what you eat to stay healthy. This includes:
- Planning meals that align to your goals, tastes, and lifestyle
- Reading food labels to make healthier choices
- Eating smart at restaurants, including planning ahead, avoiding certain items, and asking questions
- Keeping track of the carbohydrates in what you eat and drink
Eating healthy with diabetes centers around planning and making healthy choices — not avoiding certain foods entirely. At South Shore, our diabetes experts can help you understand how to maintain a healthy and fulfilling diet while living with diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment at South Shore Hospital
South Shore Hospital supports patients with diabetes through education, medication, and monitoring. In addition, we offer dialysis for patients whose kidneys have failed.
Dialysis helps keep your body in balance if your kidneys are not working properly by:
- Removing salt, waste, and extra water to keep them from building up in your body
- Maintaining a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, including sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate
- Helping to control your blood pressure
At South Shore, our diabetes experts will set up a treatment plan that is best for your diabetes and overall health.
Why Choose South Shore for Your Diabetes Care
At South Shore Hospital, our diabetes experts are equipped to provide you with information, support, and resources to help you manage your diabetes. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’d like to improve your diabetes management, our knowledgeable and compassionate providers can help you reach your diabetes and overall health goals.
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