Endocrinology

Endocine conditions can affect the whole body and often require specialized, on-going care. Our team of endocrinology experts specialize in treating and helping you manage: 

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Reproductive hormone conditions
• Bone and mineral conditions

Diabetes Care

With about 12% of the U.S. population living with diabetes, it's among the most common and complex health conditions. At MercyOne, we offer a broad range of services to help you prevent, diagnose, treat or manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes vs Type 2 diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are caused by the body’s inability to properly use insulin; however, their causes differ.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that usually begins in childhood or adolescence. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks beta cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. As a result, the body makes little or no insulin, so people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin.  

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent health issues in the state of Iowa. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 is a metabolic condition where the body resists insulin and can’t make enough of it to sustain normal blood sugar levels. It generally develops in adulthood and is attributed to lifestyle and diet. Obesity, inactivity and poor dietary habits are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. When detected early through a blood sugar test, pre-diabetes is very often reversible with lifestyle changes. 

Discover if you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes

No matter which type of diabetes you have, MercyOne is here to support you and help you live your best life. 

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes. Without the right intervention, most people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes. 

At MercyOne, we offer many services and programs to help you manage and even reverse prediabetes, such as our Prevent T2 Diabetes program.

More about prediabetes and its risk factors

MercyOne Diabetes Education Program

MercyOne Diabetes Education programs provide compassionate, comprehensive support for people living with diabetes at every stage of their journey. Our certified diabetes care and education specialists work closely with you and your care team to build practical self‑management skills including blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, physical activity, medication management and complication prevention. This is done through personalized one‑on‑one or group education. With convenient locations, virtual options and trusted resources across MercyOne, our programs are designed to help you feel informed, supported and confident in managing your diabetes day‑to‑day.

Program Benefits

Diabetic education can help improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C through personalized, healthy meal and exercise plans. Our program will also monitor glucose and medications, teach problem solving, healthy coping and risk reduction. We will address complications if they arise and offer assistance through our monthly support groups where available.

Our program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Our team will work with you to design a plan to give you the support you need after your diagnosis. A referral is required from your primary care provider. MercyOne offers diabetes education at certain MercyOne locations. 

Find a primary care location   Find a Diabetes Education location

Additional Diabetes Education

Discover trusted, easy‑to‑understand diabetes education on MercyOne’s Health Answer blog. Our expert-backed diabetes articles go beyond the basics, serving as valuable additional diabetes education resources for you and your loved ones. From breaking down Diabetes: Myths vs. Truths, to practical guidance on how to prevent diabetes, fuel your body and gain health. Explore helpful insights, take control of your health and find answers you can trust—all in one place.

Discover our Diabetes Care blog posts

Prevent T2 Diabetes Program

(Program is only available at select MercyOne locations)  

The MercyOne Prevent T2 Program is designed to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. During the year-long program, you will work with a trained lifestyle coach and other participants to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. Skills include:  

• Healthy eating.
• Adding physical activity to your life.
• Managing stress.
• Staying motivated.
• Solving problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

Learn more about our diabetes prevention program