Diabetes Center

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According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 29.1 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and 1 in 4 do not know they have diabetes.

Altru's Diabetes Center, founded in 1998, offers a full complement of treatments for type 1, type 2, and gestational (pregnancy) diabetes. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, licensed registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators work as a team to bring lifestyle, medications and current technology, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring, together to customize diabetes plans for children, adolescents and adults.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call 701.780.6400.

Note: You will need a referral from your primary care provider to schedule an appointment with the Diabetes Center.

Why Take Care of Your Diabetes

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to:

Have more energy
Be less tired and thirsty
Need to urinate less often
Heal better and have fewer skin or bladder infections
Have fewer chances of health problems caused by diabetes (i.e. heart attack, stroke, eye problems, nerve damage, kidney problems and mouth problems)

Diabetes Self Management Education

Diabetes Self-Management Education is a complete review of diabetes pathophysiology and day-to-day management, plus instruction in self-monitoring of blood glucose. Done by a specially trained diabetes nurse educator. Diabetes Self-Management Education is recommended at least annually. Medicare covers Diabetes Self-Management Education for 10 hours the first year and 2 hours each year thereafter. Individual visits are recommended for all Type 1 patients and for follow-up education for Type 2 patients.

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are available to:

Help you understand diabetes
Facilitate the knowledge and skills needed for self-care
Monitor medication and activity
Help make choices and overcome barriers
Provide support and encouragement

Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to the Altru's Diabetes Center.

Nutrition Therapy

Essential for diabetes management, medical nutrition therapy involves several different components. Initially, a thorough assessment of the patient's lifestyle and food history is completed. After the assessment, the dietitian uses their expertise to instruct patients on cutting edge, researched-based nutrition therapies. Lastly, the dietitian will work with you to create a meal plan, fit nutritional recommendations into your lifestyle and offer continued support as you make changes.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are available to:

Develop a diet plan tailored to the patient
Understand how proper nutrition can affect the amount of medication you need
Help patients find a carb-counting method that works for you
Individualize meal planning for heart health, weight management and kidney health

Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to Altru's Diabetes Center.

Locations

Altru’s Diabetes Center serves patients, families and providers in our region through education, leadership, advocacy, and research in diabetes, health promotion and preventive services. Our center offers treatment for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes across the age spectrum. If you or a family member have diabetes, it is easy to arrange a visit at one of our center locations or talk with your healthcare provider and ask for a referral.

Altru's Diabetes Center Locations:

Financial Assistance

We offer financial assistance for patients diagnosed with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and meet certain financial criteria.

Assistance may be used for: