BHS Diabetes and Health Management's team members work closely with patients
and their primary care physicians to improve and monitor management of
the disease. Their goal is teaching those with Type 1, Type 2 diabetes,
and gestational diabetes that high quality of life is attainable with
the proper knowledge and management strategies.
The Team at BHS Diabetes and Health Management
Diabetes management requires a team effort, and our BHS diabetes educators
are committed to helping you and your primary care physician (PCP) achieve
your goals.
Lacey Funair, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care
and Education Specialist 833-604-7211.
We offer a variety of services in support of that purpose, including:
Individual appointments with the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
for nutrition counseling - Nutrition plays a key role in diabetes self-management. Understanding
how nutrition impacts your ability to control your diabetes can empower
you to make the right choices when it comes to your diet. A member of
our diabetes care team can answer your questions and help you get informed.
To learn more please call 833-604-7211.
Free classes - We offer educational classes opportunities designed to help you understand
your condition and take charge of your health and your diabetes journey.
Learn more about upcoming classes. For additional questions please call 724-284-4504.
Medical Nutrition Therapy by our registered dietitian - Our registered dietitian at BHS offers medical nutrition therapy (MNT)
for patients with diabetes. A growing body of research points to a positive
link between this type of training provided by registered dietitians and
successful diabetes management. MNT provides a supportive counseling and
training service in which patients can define objectives and priorities
and create action plans unique to their condition and needs. Patients
with Type 1, type 2 or Gestational diabetes can benefit from carbohydrate
counting, a meal tracking tool that helps manage blood sugar levels. Carbs
affect your blood sugar/blood glucose levels at a higher rate than other
types of nutrients.
Pre-insulin pump training - We make sure patients have thorough training in the use of their insulin
pumps. Proper self-management is impossible without understanding the
tools and equipment designed to help you. Our team provides thorough training
so our patients can be empowered in their own care.
Diabetes self-management classes for new diabetes patients - If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, attending our Diabetes
Self-Management class is a good first step as you seek to orient yourself
with information needed to handle your condition and to not only survive,
but thrive with diabetes.
Tele-conferencing - One-on-one discussions with our team members through your smart phone
or computer can help you get real advice and help when it matters. We
can assist with problem solving, supporting your goals, meal planning
and portions, understanding and managing your medications, and more please
call 833-604-7211.
The American Diabetes Association “Create Your Plate” is a
simple and effective way to manage your blood glucose and weight. With
this method, you fill your plate with more non-starchy veggies and smaller
portions of starchy foods...no special tools or counting required! You
can practice with this interactive tool. The healthy meal combinations
are endless!
Learn more about creating your plate at the American Diabetes Association website.
Your BHS Diabetes Educator are great resource and can explain how eating
impacts you. Together, you can identify ways to create a plan that is
realistic for your situation.
How Diabetes Effects Your Body
The main goal of your healthcare team is to keep your blood glucose levels
within target ranges (before meals: 80-130 mg/dl; and 2 hours after the
onset of a meal: less than 180 mg/dl). Blood glucose levels that are well
controlled help you to stay as healthy as possible and to feel your best.
Should your blood sugar levels run out-of-control, they can impact any
and every part of your body over time. Looking at the short-term effects,
high blood glucose levels can make it easier to get infections and harder
to treat them. Long-term effects of chronic out-of-control blood glucose
levels can include eye, nerve, kidney, heart, mouth, skin and feet complications.
The chance of developing high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol
are also increased in people with diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks
down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose,
which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to
get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the
help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can
learn to manage their condition and live long.
Learn more about type 1 diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar)
levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.If you have type 2
diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin
resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for
it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin
to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy - usually around the 24th week - many women develop gestational
diabetes. A diagnosisthe determination of a disease from its signs and
symptoms.X of gestational diabetes doesn't mean that you had diabetes
before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth.
But it's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding blood glucosethe
main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also
called blood sugar.X (blood sugar1. A class of carbohydrates with a sweet
taste, including glucose, fructose and sucrose. 2. A term used to refer
to blood glucose.X) levels while you're planning your pregnancy, so you
and your baby both remain healthy.
Learn more about gestational diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.
BHS Foundation