Diabetes Management

Helping you manage or avoid diabetes to maximize your life quality now and in the future

If you have diabetes, your body has difficulty regulating your blood sugar. Diabetes is a chronic disorder of the endocrine system that requires long-term management.

At Aurora BayCare, our endocrinologists treat diabetes consult with you on lifestyle changes and may treat with medication, including insulin. We work with you to develop and manage a long-term care plan. A big part of that plan includes helping you monitor and manage your blood sugar levels to avoid future health problems.

Diabetes, an Endocrine Disorder

Your pancreas is part of both your endocrine system and your digestive system. Your pancreas manufactures digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin. Insulin’s job is to ensure that glucose moves into your cells. When insulin cannot perform this function, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.

Glucose, also referred to as blood sugar, comes from the breakdown of food you eat. It supplies your body with energy for metabolism and muscle contraction.

Over time, elevated glucose levels can damage blood vessels, leading to longer-term problems such as blindness, increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and loss of nerve function. This vascular damage can also result in poor blood flow to your arms and legs, inhibiting wound healing. This can lead to amputation.

There are several types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are most common. Women may develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.