Diabetes and Nutrition
Diabetes is a problem with your body that results in too much sugar in the blood, also referred to as "hyperglycemia." People with diabetes have a problem with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes can occur when the pancreas produces very little or no insulin, or when the body does not utilize insulin correctly. Insulin acts as a key which allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious problems. Scientific research has proven that controlling blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of developing long-term complications of diabetes.
The Nutrition and Diabetes Center at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center received and maintains a Certificate of Recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for meeting the national standards for diabetes self-management education.
Our mission is to give you the tools you need to control your blood glucose levels over the long term to enhance your quality of life and prevent or minimize the complications associated with diabetes.
Outpatient Educational Services
Our team works with you and your provider to create an individualized care plan for you.
Our diabetes services include:
- Educational classes, both individual and group classes
- Home blood glucose monitoring
- Medication self-management skills including non-insulin and insulin administration
- Complication prevention
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (Nutrition counseling & meal planning)
- Gestational diabetes services
- Weight loss services
- Exercise guidelines
- Free monthly diabetes support group
Additional Individualized Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy Services (included but not limited to):
- Pre-diabetes
- Weight loss
- Cardiovascular health
- GI disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
Preparing for Your Visit
A physician order is required from your primary care provider for outpatient education. The Nutrition and Diabetes Center can assist you with obtaining the required provider order. If you need assistance, please call our main office number 410-337-1382.
Appointment Day
Please bring the following:
- Medication List including nutritional supplements (doses and times)
- Medical Insurance cards
- Photo ID
- Blood glucose meter, testing supplies and blood glucose log if testing
- Food records if tracking
- Diabetes Self-Assessment form (For participants being seen for diabetes education, excluding gestational diabetes education)
Questions and Support
To learn more about our services and/or support group, please call our main office number 410-337-1382.
Find our Diabetes Info. Exchange support group dates on our Calendar.