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Patient Education About Diabetes from University of Colorado Hospital

Living With Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-long disease that can create many challenges in your daily life. However, it is treatable with the proper medication, diet and exercise.

Getting a second opinion

Diabetes requires a life-long commitment to treatment. It is important that you feel comfortable with your medical team, as you will work closely with them to manage your care. UCH is happy to offer a second opinion and to work with you if you choose to come to our hospital for treatment.

Diabetes management can be complex. Knowledge, tools, and support are fundamental to your success as a person living with the disease.

Complications if poorly managed

If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to many serious problems, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Stroke
  • Blindness
  • Amputations
  • Sexual dysfunction

Our comprehensive approach to care

At UCH we offer a comprehensive approach to diabetes care.  We have an American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized diabetes education program that meets the national standards for diabetes self-management education.

Read our Patient Self-Management Education brochure

Our diabetes educators are health care professionals – dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists – who specialize in the many details of managed diabetes care. 

Patient handouts

These handouts are in downloadable PDF format.

 

 Diabetes Overview  Treatment of Hypoglycemia
 Diabetes Medications  Sick Day Guidelines
 Home Blood Glucose Monitoring  Foot Care Guidelines
 Diet Basics  Hyperglycemia and Long-term Complications

 

Additional Diabetes Resources

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association

Colorado Dietetic Association

Team WILD (Women Inspiring Life with Diabetes)

 

 

Diabetes Quiz

Test yourself on questions about diabetes with the Diabetes Quiz. View the Diabetes Quiz.