Diabetes Program

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. The three main types of diabetes - type 1, type 2, and gestational.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin.

Our Program Philosophy

Self management is the key to living a healthy life whether you have just been diagnosed or have had diabetes for several years. There is no known cure for diabetes however it can be controlled through good self-management. Since 1994, the diabetes self-management program at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital has provided education and support to patients and the community. The program offers comprehensive group classes and individualized instruction. Our goal is to help you, your family or your caregivers develop self-management plans to meet your individual needs. Developing the skills and strategies needed to control your diabetes can put you on track to healthy living, whether it is learning to grocery shop for healthful foods or developing a proper exercise program. Our specially trained staff of nurses, dietititians and pharmacist work as a team to develop your individual plan to help you lead a healthier, happier life.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans, most Medicaid plans and Medicare cover San Jacinto Methodist Hospital’s diabetes self management program. Although diabetes is a chronic and incurable disease, with proper guidance and management, diabetes can be a successfully managed.

Diabetes Self Management Program for Adolescents and Adults

The diabetes self management program at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital promotes your ability to manage diabetes and to help motivate you to make positive lifestyle changes. We work with you to provide:

• Education for Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes
• An overview of diabetes and how it affects your body
• Designs for individualized plans of care through diet, exercise and medication
• Instruction on blood glucose monitoring for better control in managing the disease and explanation of factors that affect blood glucose levels
• Guidance to minimize or avoid diabetes related complications
• Guidance on healthier food choices when eating out and on the go
• Counseling for type 2 diabetes in children (ages 6 to 18)

Diabetes Self-Management Support Group

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital diabetes self management support group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 6pm to 7pm to discuss common problems, find answers and to receive information on new medications and current management options. For information on meeting topics and location, please call 281-420-8525.

Diabetes Self-Management Program
4301 Garth Rd Plaza II STE 102
Baytown, Texas 77521
Office: 281-420-8525
Fax: 281-420-8780
www.sanjacintomethodist.com