Adult patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are seen each weekday at the Diabetes Center of Excellence clinic located on the second floor of the Shands Medical Plaza. Patients seeking assistance in managing their diabetes may self-refer or be referred by their own regular physican. Care at the Shands Diabetes Center of Excellence is covered by most insurance companies. Most patients can be seen within one to two weeks and accommodations can be made for emergency referrals.

Physicians at the Adult Clinic utilize the services of a floating registered dietician in the clinic to assist in mini-nutrition consults and work closely with the Diabetes Self-Management Education program - a service designed to assist adults in better managing the dietary and medical aspects of their diabetes care with both individualized and classroom instruction. Adult endocrinologists also provide specialty care for other metabolic disorders including Graves disease, pituitary and thyroid problems, lipid disorders and endocrine disorders such as calcium metabolism, osteoporosis and hypogonadism.

For appointments, dial (352) 265-8228, then press 1.

Meet the Adult Diabetologists

As part of a comprehensive approach to the management of diabetes and enabling patients to improve their quality of life, Shands Hospital offers an American Diabetes Association recognized program of Self-Management Education. When referred by their primary care physician, the cost of the five-visit program to prospective participants is usually covered by insurance. Many who complete the program find that the new lifestyle skills they learn help them improve their HBAlc readings and better manage their day-to-day activities and self-care.

The program which is accredited by the American Diabetes Association (both classroom and individualized instruction) is delivered by Certified Diabetes Educators who are registered nurses and registered dieticians.

Nurse educators assist program participants in learning how to monitor blood sugars, manage diabetes when sick, use insulin pumps, treat high and low blood sugars and help improve other management skills.

Registered dieticians work with program participants to develop individualized eating programs based on the participants particular lifestyle and medical needs. Directions and assistance is also given on weight loss, lowering fat in the diet and managing diabetes during pregnancy.

For patients and other community members whose insurance may not cover the five-visit Self-Management Program, diabetes educators at the Shands Diabetes Center of Excellence also hold Community Education classes four times a year. These classes are free and there is a minimal charge for materials furnished to all participants. For those people who work and can only attend evening classes or do not have insurance coverage, the community education series offers a viable alternative and provides a similar, somewhat abbreviated curriculum as the Self-Management Program.

For information on how to register or refer a patient to the Self-Management Program or for community education class times, call (352) 265-8228, then dial 2.