Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is unknown, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a role.

Nearly 70 percent of the US population or 21 million children and adults are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at-risk for developing type 2. Staying up to date on the latest treatments allows you to control your diabetes instead of allowing the disease to control you.

The Mercy Diabetes Institute offers a multidisciplinary team of registered nurses and registered dietitians who are also certified diabetes educators. We will work with you and your physician to help you control your diabetes and prevent or reduce the impact of complications through self-management, education and support. Working with your physician, we will help you learn how to take good care of yourself.

Contact your physician to determine how you can become more involved in managing your diabetes. If you don't have a physician, call the Mercy Nurse for a referral to a physician who can treat your diabetes.