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Diabetes Services

When you have diabetes, you body has problems converting the food you eat into energy.

Normally, the food we eat is broken down into glucose, a form of sugar that is used by our cells for growth and energy. For cells to use glucose, insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) must be present. If insulin isn't present, or if the cells don't respond to it, glucose stays in the bloodstream, causing a rise in the blood sugar or blood glucose level.

There are different types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body can't produce insulin. An individual with Type 1 diabetes requires daily doses of insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes, which is much more common than Type 1 diabetes, occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or isn't using it properly.
• Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is first recognized during pregnancy. It usually disappears once the baby is born.
• Pre-diabetes is an increasingly common condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetic.

If untreated, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels.

To learn more about diabetes, visit our Health Library.

Diagnosing Diabetes

Glucose Screenings (Free)

Glucose screenings measure whether or not your blood glucose level is higher than what's considered normal. If it's high you may be able to restore your blood glucose level to a normal level through diet and exercise.

Catholic Health offers free glucose screenings throughout the Western New York area. To learn about upcoming screenings, click here to visit our events calendar.

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Ask the Expert

• If I have diabetes, what precautions should I take during pregnancy? Dr. Bruce Rodgers responds.

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Monitoring and Treating Diabetes

Diabetes Prevention Class (Free)

Catholic Health's free At Risk for Diabetes class is a diabetes prevention class that discusses:

• Diabetes Disease Process
• Risk Reduction Strategies
• Meal Planning
• Exercise

This class is especially beneficial for individuals who are overweight, over 40 or have a family history of diabetes. For upcoming class dates, click here to visit our events calendar.

Diabetes Management Program (Fee Applies)

For individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, Catholic Health's diabetes management program will keep you up-to-date on nutrition and meal planning, medications, glucose monitoring and more.

Every program consists of a series of four classes. You have the option to choose a series offered in the morning, afternoon or evening. Check our calendar of events for a list of upcoming Diabetes Education classes.

Program charges are covered by most insurances. You should check with your insurance company prior to scheduling classes.

More Information

  Call our HealthConnection line at (716) 447-6205, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday
 Email us