Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's production of glucose and insulin levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Type 2, gestational and prediabetes are all a result of an excess amount of sugar in the blood (high glucose levels).
Diabetes care in Las Vegas
We understand diabetes, offering options to help you better manage your condition.
Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center's endocrinology team offers treatments for Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. We help you decide on the best combination of services — such as classes, medication and surgery — for your unique needs.
Symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes can be challenging to treat, and our team begins your care by diagnosing symptoms, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Chronic wounds
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent gum or skin infections
- Frequent urination
- Frequent vaginal infections
- Increased thirst
- Irritability
- Unexplained weight loss
Our diabetes program
Our diabetes program provides tools and resources that can help ease the lifelong management of your condition.
Types of diabetes we treat
We treat all types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs most frequently in children and adolescents, but can develop at any age. With this disorder, the body does not produce enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, and accounts for most diabetes symptoms treated by healthcare providers. With this disease, the body does not properly use the insulin it produces.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
GDM is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. The disorder usually disappears after pregnancy. However, it can put the mother and child at higher risk of developing it later in life.
Risk factors for diabetes
Risk factors for diabetes include:
- Age 45 years or older
- Being African American, Native American, Latino, Asian, Indian or Pacific Islander
- Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Obesity, or being concerningly overweight
- Physically active less than three times a week
- Previous instance of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Prior GDM diagnosis, or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds
Services and treatments offered by our diabetes specialists
At our hospital, you'll have medical and surgical choices for diabetes management.
Noninvasive approaches
We offer several nonsurgical options for diabetes, including:
- Education — Handling your issue may involve attending classes or meeting with professionals who can help you learn to control your condition.
- Lifestyle changes — Your physician may recommend changes in diet, losing weight or starting regular exercise to help handle your glucose levels.
- Medication — Doctors usually manage type 1 diabetes with insulin injections. For type 2 diabetes, specialists oversee your symptoms with oral drugs or insulin injections. Your health provider will help you explore the available medicines and help determine the best fit for your needs.
Surgical methods for treating diabetes
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, may provide better control of symptoms — or, in some instances, remission. This is a technique performed on your digestive system that reduces the amount of food you eat or limits the calories and fats absorbed by your body.
Such a method can lower your body's blood glucose levels. The response to this process is different for each person. Your physician can help determine if this remedy fits your health needs.