Diabetes and Endocrine Center
Phone: 616-685-3098
Fax: 616-685-3095
Email: CDE@trinity-health.org
Persons referred to the Center will find a multidisciplinary
team. The purpose of the team approach is to provide a high
quality care to persons with chronic diseases, such as diabetes
(sugar) osteoporosis (thin bones) or hyperlipidemia (high
blood fats). Your care will be in the hands of board-certified
endocrine physicians whose previous experience was at world-renowned
teaching hospitals. The team will work collaboratively with
your primary physician.
Specialized care is offered for people with diabetes in childhood,
adolescents, before and during pregnancy, or for those needing
or desiring an intensified blood sugar program including pump
therapy. The program is designed for adults with difficult
to manage blood sugars or blood fats, those trying to reduce
the risk of complications, and even those with a mild blood
sugar disorder. Programs can be individualized to treat most
endocrine or metabolic disorders and may include visits once
or twice a year to meet with the team, or more frequently
if adjustments are needed.
Cost of education or management program depends on the services
needed. Although many of these costs are covered by insurance,
contact your individual insurance company for detailed information.
Diabetes and Endocrine Center is located in the
Peter M. Wege Center. The Center offers the convenience of
all diabetes team members in one place. You can meet with
the nurse educator and registered dietitian in one visit.
Or you can get a foot examination and dilated eye exam at
the same visit as the endocrinologist. The Center also offers
the highest educational technology in our consumer resource
library, classrooms, and demonstration kitchen.
 At
Saint Mary’s Health Center we know that following
your doctor’s recommendations for diabetes care is not
always easy. Managing your diabetes affects all aspects of
your life: meal planning, activity, knowing how and when to
take medications, what to do when schedules vary and staying
motivated. With the right tools, education, and support, it
is possible to be healthy and enjoy life, even with diabetes.
By working with the team at Saint Mary’s, you can take
control of your diabetes…so it doesn’t control you.
To help you meet this goal, Saint Mary’s Health
Center has a comprehensive management and education program
to work with you and your primary care physician to meet your
diabetes needs. Our program includes the following areas which
we know are essential to successful diabetes control:
A multidisciplinary care team: A team is crucial to managing
diabetes. The Diabetes team at Saint Mary’s includes
physicians and nurse practitioners specializing in diabetes,
certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, pharmacists,
pedorthists, ophthalmologists, exercise specialists and optometrists.
Advice backed up with evidence: Team members will keep you
aware of the latest research and techniques, including therapies
which might be right for your based on current studies.
A list of treatment options: We provide you with options
when discussing your diabetes management plan so you can make
the choice that is best for you to help prevent complications.
Achievable patient goals: The team will help you set obtainable
and realistic goals to be successful in controlling your diabetes.
With case management, a team member will be there to cheer
you on to help you meet your goals.
Self-Assessment: We allow time to listen to your feelings
about having diabetes, your management plan, and to identify
education topics, which you would find helpful.
Patient Partners: Through support groups or by meeting others
with diabetes, we provide opportunities for you to meet those
who are successfully managing their disease or struggling
through the same things you are.
We offer several programs to help you successfully begin
and maintain your diabetes treatment plan.
To register for Diabetes Center, Diabetes Education, or Nutrition
Counseling call: 685-3098.
Saint Mary’s Diabetes Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association of West
Michigan and is certified by the Michigan Department of Community
Health.
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