Diabetes Care

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At MercyOne, our team of experts offer a broad range of services to help you prevent, diagnose, treat or manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. We also provide several different diabetes and nutrition education locations throughout Iowa.

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.

Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes Education at MercyOne

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.

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

MercyOne Prevent T2 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: