Management of a patient’s blood glucose level is important, perhaps more important while in the hospital. Studies have shown that keeping blood glucose levels near normal while hospitalized can help prevent infections and improve outcomes overall.

Our experienced staff understands the special needs of those with diabetes. They will work in the hospital with a patient’s doctors and nurses to provide the highest quality care for diabetes and other conditions. This includes managing blood glucose levels, providing for nutritional needs, and teaching the patient basic skills to manage diabetes at home until the patient can return to the outpatient program for more advanced instructions.

Through a coordinated system of interventions, our Palomar UC San Diego Health Diabetes Service’s Inpatient Services uniquely enables hospitals and physicians to address the special needs of patients with diabetes, regardless of their reason for admission.

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States, and a quarter of them—7.5 million—do not even know they have it. An additional 84 million, or one in three American adults, have pre-diabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take the steps to stop diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects a wide range of people throughout the country, with potentially devastating effects. Fortunately with the proper management of Diabetes, patients can lead normal lives. At Palomar UC San Diego Health District, we have developed a comprehensive diabetes health program that educates, treats and monitors patients who seek our help. Our caring, experienced staff of dietitians and registered nurses will help you learn to control your diabetes by eating healthy, exercising and taking your medicines the right way. We provide this education and support while you are an inpatient at Palomar UC San Diego Health.

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes 7 to 10 years after the onset of the disease, after disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.