There are many advantages to attending a diabetes clinic. Generally, diabetes clinics are comprised of doctors, specialists, specialist nurses, dieticians, podiatrists, and physical therapists or exercise coordinators to help you. In a good diabetes clinic these will all be available to you during your stay. Throughout your stay your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol will be monitored and you will be screened for any diabetic complications that you may have. In addition, many clinics have diabetes education, nutrition, exercise programs which will help you learn how to take care of yourself.
You will have to get a referral from your doctor to get an appointment with a diabetes clinic, but after you begin treatment you will have a great health care team that is always accessible, even when you leave the clinic. According to Diabetes.org.uk, after your first visit, you are likely to go back monthly and then every four to six months. You also have one “big check” up each year where they look you over completely again. Whenever tests are done, the results are usually explained to you, which help you to better control your diabetes at home. The staff will also show you how you are doing over time. If you don’t understand or are not given your results, keep asking questions.
Finding the Right Diabetes Clinic
If you are looking for a diabetes clinic, there are many choices out there. It really depends on what type of care you need and where you live. Some of the most renowned diabetes clinics are the Mayo Clinic which has locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL, and Rochester, MN. You can take a virtual tour and learn more about the Mayo Clinic by visiting MayoClinic.com. Another is Joslin Diabetes Center, which is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and located in many places throughout the United States, as well as in Canada and Kuwait. For a list of locations and to take a virtual tour visit Joslin.org. Both of these clinics are involved in research for better treatment methods and for curing the disease.
By visiting SuperPages.com you can find a listing of diabetic clinics in your area. Your primary care physician will probably have a list of diabetes clinics and some recommendations as well. You may also try visiting the American Diabetes Association’s website, Diabetes.org, to locate clinics in your area. Here you can also find information on resources that may help you pay for your diabetes treatment andeducation. Information such as this can also be found through the National Institutes of Health. Finally, if you are a California resident, visit Isletsofhope.com to find free or reduced-priced diabetes clinics throughout the state.