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Diabetes Center:
Clinical Conditions & Program Offerings

The Diabetes Center at Mercy treats the different types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. In addition, the Center treats thyroid disease, high cholesterol, hirsuitism, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

The dedicated diabetes team provides each patient with individualized education and plans to help them manage their diabetes. The Center offers the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System to analyze glucose levels and identify areas for improvement. The education program at The Diabetes Center at Mercy is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for quality self-management education.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is when the auto-immune system causes the destruction of insulin producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. It is usually diagnosed under the age of 30 and its incidence rate is highest in ages 12-14, but it can happen at any age. People do not do anything to get the disease and it is not contagious. Although research points to hereditary factors being involved with developing this type of diabetes, frequently there is no known family history.

A person developing Type 1 diabetes will usually experience a sudden onset of classic diabetes symptoms:

• Frequent thirst (polydypsia)
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fruity smelling breath

These symptoms may lead to nausea, vomiting, and a serious condition called ketoacidosis.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes occurs in people who for a variety of reasons have experienced a decreased insulin sensitivity or decreased insulin production or both. With Type 2, a family history is usually present and African Americans, Hispanic, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans are at greatest risk. Type 2 diabetes is being found in children as young as 10 years of age due to the growing problems of obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Frequently with Type 2 diabetes, symptoms do not appear for years. Risk factors that put some people at more risk are:

• Increased weight
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes or of a having a baby over 9 pounds at birth
• High blood pressure
• High risk ethnic groups
• Increased age

People with Type 2 diabetes are treated with diet, oral medications, and/or insulin.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a special type of diabetes that develops during a pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, these women are at a high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risks for gestational diabetes include:

• Increased weight
• Family history of diabetes
• High risk ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander and Native American)
• Having had a previous child who weighed over 9 pounds at birth
• Increased age at time of pregnancy

The team at The Diabetes Center at Mercy works closely with Mercy's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to provide resources for mothers-to-be with gestational diabetes.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, gathers iodine from the body to produce hormones that control the body's metabolism and regulate how quickly the body should use energy. Thyroid disease is generally easily and safely treated with medication alone or with a combination of surgery and medication. The Diabetes Center at Mercy encourages patients to closely monitor thyroid levels regularly with their physicians.

• Hypothyroidism, the most common form of thyroid disease, occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough of its metabolic-regulating hormone, causing the body to use energy more slowly than it should. Symptoms include feeling sluggish, cold, depressed, or forgetful; drying of the skin and hair; and constipation. The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Disease, which affects the auto-immune system and is eminently treatable. The body's antibodies actually attack the thyroid, keeping it from producing enough metabolic hormone.
• Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of its metabolic hormone and makes the body use more energy than it should. Symptoms may include nervousness, irritability, shaky hands, increased perspiration, warm skin, thinning hair, weight loss, decreased menstruation, eye changes, and weak leg muscles. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Grave's Disease, which is an auto-immune condition that causes the body to produce antibodies that overstimulate the thyroid gland, so that it produces too much of its metabolic hormone.
• Postpartum thyroiditis is a swelling of the thyroid that occurs in five to seven percent of women who give birth and can cause temporarily high levels of thyroid hormone.
• Thyroid cancer is the most serious of thyroid diseases. However, most thyroid cancers grow very slowly and can be effectively treated. Although anyone can get thyroid cancer, people who received head or neck x-ray treatments for tonsillitis or other conditions (generally from the 1920s to 1960s) are most at risk.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol, which exists among the fats, or lipids, in the bloodstream, is a soft, waxy substance found in all body cells. The two forms of cholesterol are:

• High-density or "good" cholesterol is produced by the body and is found in oats, olive oil, and other natural, non-animal foods
• Low-density or "bad" cholesterol is very difficult for the body to transport through the bloodstream and is a major risk for coronary heart disease, which often leads to heart attack

Any abnormal lipid levels are considered dyslipidemia. The Diabetes Center at Mercy urges patients and their physicians to monitor cholesterol levels regularly and to see a cardiologist if patients show signs of abnormal lipids.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a medical condition in which women experience excessive or male-patterned hair growth on the face or body. It is most often genetic in origin and is not cause for alarm if a woman has always had an abundance of hair. However, it can be an indication of a hormone imbalance or polycystic ovaries, both which can be serious health dangers. The Diabetes Center at Mercy can help determine the cause of Hirsutism by testing the blood and administering an ultrasound. The sooner the cause of Hirsutism is detected the more effectively the condition can be treated.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated six to 10 percent of all women, most of whom are not aware they have it. PCOS is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).

In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is released each month. The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are follicles that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, and though not curable, is treatable with changes in diet and exercise and with medication.

The Diabetes Center at Mercy urges women to visit their physician if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Irregular or absent menses
• Elevated insulin levels, insulin resistance, or diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Hirsutism
• Thinning of scalp hair
• Obesity mainly around the midsection

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9800
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)