Type I and II – adults

Adults who have lived with Type I diabetes since childhood, or their teen or young-adult years, need special attention as they grow older, to achieve and maintain tight sugar control and spot potential complications early.

Meanwhile, many more adults develop Type II diabetes, which is a different but related disease. They may not require the insulin shots that keep people with Type I alive, but their sugar control and risk of complications are just as important.

U-M endocrinologists offer comprehensive care for adults with both forms of diabetes through the Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes Division of the Department of Internal Medicine. Adults with diabetes can see U-M diabetes specialists at several outpatient locations, including the Taubman Health Center and Briarwood Health Center in Ann Arbor , and the Brighton Health Center in Livingston County .

At each location, the doctors and nurses are joined by registered dieticians and diabetes educators who can help patients manage their diet, exercise and medications, including insulin. They also screen patients for the many risk factors and early signs that can lead to serious complications — and help them deal with everything from high blood pressure and smoking to foot problems. A special clinic is offered for adults who need an intensive insulin program to manage their blood sugar, whether through injections or an insulin pump.

To learn how you can be seen by a U-M adult diabetes specialist, call (734)647-5922.

Adults over the age of 60 who have diabetes can also receive specialized care at the Turner Geriatrics Clinic at the U-M Geriatrics Center . There, specialists in geriatric medicine can manage the many issues that often come with being an older person with diabetes.

U-M diabetes specialists have also developed a guide for primary-care doctors, such as internists and family physicians, so that they can provide the best proven care to their patients with diabetes.

For all adults with diabetes, no matter which U-M doctor they see regularly, we offer regular diabetes education classes that are often covered by insurance. Topics range from “basic training” to advanced information on diabetes in pregnancy and on fitting diabetes self-care into an active lifestyle. For more information or to register, call the U-M Diabetes Outpatient Education Program at (734) 647-5875 x 261.

The U-M also offers a special health management program for adults with diabetes who are members of M-CARE, a health insurance provider that's owned by the U-M, or other participating groups. This program includes regular phone contact from a diabetes nurse to keep patients on track with treatment, supplies for testing blood glucose, regular screening exams for diabetes-related complications, and more.

Click here to learn more about the U-M diabetes management program, which is one of only eight in the country accredited by JCAHO, the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.