Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a growing concern in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three U.S. adults could have the disorder by 2050. Recent tallies show that nearly 26 million American have diabetes, and an estimated 79 million have pre-diabetes, a condition that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Diabetes is a disorder in which the body loses its ability to produce and use insulin. Glucose (a sugar) builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body, causing a series of diabetes-related symptoms and complications. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., according to CDC statistics, and it is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure for ages 20-74.

University of Mississippi Medical Center specialists, including a certified diabetes educator, work closely with patients to manage diet and medications, including insulin, to prevent blindness, dialysis, amputation, or other complications. Our multidisciplinary team represents many specialties, including endocrinology, general medicine, cardiology, clinical pharmacology, and ophthalmology.

The medical care teams at University of Mississippi Medical Center play an active role fighting the spreading epidemic of diabetes. Crossing disciplinary lines, primary care physicians and specialists work with patients to diagnose and manage the disease.

Diabetes management clinics

Clinics at the University Physicians Pavilion provide a disease management approach to help adults and children control their blood sugar and have fewer complications from the illness. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and diabetes educators provide services geared to help patients avoid complications, eat appropriately, manage their blood sugar, and understand their disease and medications.

Services we provide

• Clinical pharmacy
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Intensive insulin therapy
• Patient education