Living with Diabetes

The Diabetes programs within MidMichigan Health help people with diabetes take control of their illness so they can live full and active lives. 

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that prevents the body from correctly utilizing glucose – the fuel that is made from the carbohydrates we eat. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin -dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes
  Gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that affects one in 20 pregnant women

Wondering If You Might Have Diabetes?

Learn more about risk factors, symptoms and free screenings. 

Take Control of Your Diabetes

If you have diabetes, working with a team, including your physician, a diabetes nurse and a diabetes dietitian, will help you establish a plan for treatment. Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes is a risk factor for many other conditions and complications, including heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, foot problems and depression. But there are many things you can do to manage your disease and prevent complications:

• Choose a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and exercise.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Have your feet, kidneys and eyes checked regularly.
• Take any medications prescribed by your physician.
• Work to maintain a normal glucose level.

MidMichigan Programs and Services

 MidMichigan is committed to providing self-management tools to help you stay in control of your diabetes, including:

• Diabetes self-management training  (in individual consults or small groups)
• Diabetes classes and screenings 
• Continuous glucose monitoring systems
• Smoking cessation classes
• Water exercise programs
• Support groups for adults, youth and individuals using insulin pumps
• Foot clinics 
• Insulin pump training clinics
• Wellness coaching

You may want to check with your insurance plan to see which programs and services are covered. 

Our Diabetes Program Accreditations

The diabetes education programs at Gratiot Medical Center, MidMichigan Medical Centers in Clare, Gladwin and Midland, and MidMichigan Health Park–Mt. Pleasant have been Recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education*.  These programs have also earned state certification by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

The diabetes instructors at the Diabetes Center of MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland are certified diabetes educators (CDEs), which assures that they have met specific requirements of the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators. 

Locations

Diabetes services and programs are available in several MidMichigan locations:

• Midland – Individual and group diabetes self-management training sessions, adult and youth support groups, foot clinics, insulin pump support group and clinic, water exercise program, continuous glucose monitoring system
• Alma – Individual and group diabetes self-management training sessions, insulin pump clinic, water exercise program, continuous glucose monitoring system
• Clare – Individual training sessions, adult support group, water exercise program, community education
• Gladwin – Individual and group diabetes self-management training, adult support group
• Houghton Lake - Individual diabetes self-managment training and training in pattern interpretation and carb counting
• Mt. Pleasant – Individual diabetes self-management training, water exercise program