Find the support and expertise you need to manage diabetes, thyroid disease, and pituitary and adrenal gland disorders.
The hormone-producing glands of the endocrine system may be small, but they have a very large impact on your overall health. Even a slight imbalance within your endocrine system can wreak havoc on your health. Left untreated, you may develop an endocrine disorder or disease, including diabetes, pituitary and hormonal disorders, or thyroid and adrenal disorders.
Diabetes, a disease that is very prevalent in eastern North Carolina, affects the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.
At ECU Health, our diabetes care and endocrinology experts can help those living with diabetes and other endocrine disorders to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. We combine patient education and lifestyle changes with appropriate use of medication, insulin pumps, and glucometers or continuous glucose monitors.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has accredited ECU Health every year since 2016. You’ll work with ADA-recognized diabetes educators, dietitians, providers and registered nurses who are skilled in treating all types of diabetes.
Because diabetes affects nearly every aspect of your health, specialized care will save you from additional health problems, dramatically decreasing your overall health care costs and will most likely be covered by your insurance, with a referral from your primary care provider.
Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Many people with prediabetes have no symptoms. With lifestyle changes, it is possible to bring blood sugar levels back to normal.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it becomes insulin resistant. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. Treatments include diet, exercise, medication and insulin therapy.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in childhood to early adulthood and results when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Treatment aims at maintaining normal blood sugar levels through regular monitoring, insulin therapy, diet and exercise.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. This condition causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. Treatment strategies include daily blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise and monitoring the baby. If blood sugar is too high, medication may be needed.
Why ECU Health Endocrinology?
Prevention is the best medicine. With early detection and awareness, you can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. ECU Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you do just that.
Contact the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic for more information 252-847-5590.
Your care team will work with you to pursue effective and successful self-management of your disease or disorder. While we are always here when you need us, we aim to enable you to manage your condition without us.
By empowering you to be active in your own treatment, you will have greater success in managing your chronic condition and living the lifestyle you desire.
We want you to get healthy and stay healthy. Together, we’ll work to get you connected with local and national health and wellness resources that will help you live life better.
Our online patient portal makes it easy for you and your care team to review important health information, request prescription refills, view lab results, request appointments, access follow-up care, send a message to your doctor and much more.
Browse our health library for all of your endocrinology research needs.