600 Hospital Drive, Monroe, NC 28112

The Diabetes Center
Whether you have just learned that you have diabetes or have lived with diabetes for some time, The Diabetes Center at Carolinas Medical Center-Union in Monroe, N.C., can help. We are here to provide you with the tools to manage your diabetes successfully.

What is Diabetes?
This disorder affects the body's ability to use and/or produce insulin. Insulin-a hormone produced by the pancreas-acts like a gatekeeper, transferring sugar from the bloodstream into cells where it is converted to energy. If the person's blood sugar level rises too high, too quickly, it can create immediate symptoms of nausea, blurry vision, sleepiness and feelings of weakness. Over time, the cumulative effects of abnormally high blood sugar levels may result in blood circulation problems.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency. Because the person's pancreas has stopped producing insulin, his or her blood sugar levels can rise extremely high. Insulin injections are needed to keep them under control. Symptoms of high blood sugar levels include becoming very sick quickly, lethargy, inability to function and frequent urination. Diabetes diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is usually Type 1.

Type 2 diabetes, traditionally diagnosed in older adults, is now appearing more often in younger patients due to lifestyles. This disease is largely due to insulin resistance. Despite having insulin present, the cells in the person's body have trouble receiving sugar from the blood stream and therefore are unable to utilize this source of energy. The liver tries to compensate for the lack of energy by releasing even more sugar into the blood stream. This overcompensation may go on for several years before the person experiences symptoms such as thirst, increased frequency of urination, blurry vision, extreme tiredness and sores that will not heal.

How the Diabetes Center at CMC-Union Can Help
The Diabetes Center at CMC-Union addresses the area's growing need for diabetes education through individual and group sessions. Through these sessions, adult and pediatric patients learn how to balance food, medication and activity for blood sugar control and the prevention of long-term complications. Other topics discussed include stress management, behavior changes, diabetes and pregnancy and how to use healthcare resources. Sessions are available in the morning and late afternoon for your convenience.

Patients seeking assistance from the Diabetes Center may call directly or may go through their physician for a referral. Each person will participate in the development of an education plan based on individual assessment of his or her needs. A comprehensive self-management series which includes two individual sessions and four educational classes in a small group setting may be recommended.

The Diabetes Center is adjacent to the CMC-Union campus. Staffed by a certified diabetes educator, registered dietitian and a registered nurse, The Diabetes Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To receive more information, call The Diabetes Center at 704-225-2880.