What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone necessary for converting dietary sugar and starches into energy. An estimated 20 million Americans have diabetes – seven percent of the population. Many more are at risk of developing the disease.
The good news is that diabetes can be prevented, managed and in some cases brought into remission. Most adult patients can manage diabetes with education and lifestyle changes; however, Monument Health physicians offer a variety of treatment options, including surgery when necessary.
The major types of diabetes include:
- Type 1 diabetes: Formerly known as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, this type is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system slowly destroys insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes: Formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or insulin independent diabetes, in this type the insulin does not work effectively and is not sufficient to keep the blood sugar level normal. Thus the body’s cells are unable to properly use glucose.
- Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): This form of diabetes is inherited and can vary in severity. Often, MODY resembles a very mild version of type 1 diabetes with continued partial insulin production and normal insulin sensitivity.
- Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes, with symptoms usually occur during the second or third trimester.
Programs offered
Self Management Program
Our self-management program helps patients gain confidence in managing their health. Monthly classes include an individual assessment, a review of the diabetes disease process, nutritional education, physical activity consultations, medication support, disease monitoring, problem-solving, reducing risks, and suggesting healthy coping skills. Courses offered in the Self-Management Program include:
- Advanced Insulin Management: Teaches you to safely make changes in insulin doses, using protocols established by our endocrinologists. You will work closely with diabetes educators to improve your diabetes control.
- Gestational Diabetes Management Education: Provides education to maintain blood glucose control during pregnancy. Most women with well-controlled blood sugar deliver healthy babies without any complications.
- Insulin Injections: How to use insulin tools, such as insulin pens.
- Insulin Pump Management: Teaches skills necessary for insulin pump use, technical training on the pump, outpatient pump starts, recommended dosage rates, and making minor changes in insulin doses.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy: Involves a consultation with a Registered Dietitian; topics may include carbohydrate counting, understanding nutrition labels, meal planning, nutritional management of weight, lipids, high blood pressure, and celiac disease.
- Pre-conception and Pregnancy Management: Designed for women with diabetes who are planning to have children.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: This test is for those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. A monitor collects data on blood sugar levels every few minutes and the process requires wearing the monitor for at least three days.
Preregistration and a physician referral are required:
Monument Health Custer Clinic, 605-673-9423. Get directions.
Monument Health Deadwood Clinic, 605-717-8021. Get directions.
Monument Health Rapid City Clinic – Flormann Street, 605-755-3300. Get directions.
Monument Health Spearfish Clinic – North 10th Street, 605-644-4251. Get directions.
Monument Health Sturgis Clinic, 605-755-3300. Get directions.
National Diabetes Prevention Program
One in three American adults has prediabetes. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed. Research shows that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent (71 percent for people over 60 years old).
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) is a proven lifestyle change program that provides participants with the tools and support needed to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The NDPP has been shown to help people lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight through healthier eating and engaging in 150 minutes of physical activity a week. The program consists of at least 22 one-hour group sessions that occur over the course of a year. Participants must be 18 years or older and meet diabetes risk criteria.
Start reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes today by enrolling in our Rapid City or Spearfish NDPP. There will be a fee to participate in the NDPP. Call for more information or to register:
Monument Health Rapid City Clinic – Flormann Street, 605-755-3300
Monument Health Spearfish Clinic – North 10th Street, 605-717-8595
Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention Support Group
Diabetes educators help patients and family members manage the disease through education and support. Support groups are free, and there is no need to preregister.
The Rapid City support group meets the first Thursday of every month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (except in July & August) at Monument Health Rapid City Clinic – Flormann Street in room 156.
For more information, call 605-755-3300. Get directions.
Program Costs
Assessment and education costs vary according to your needs. Patients are billed for the amount of time spent with an educator. Many insurance companies and Medicare Part B cover these costs after deductibles are met. Some companies require pre-authorization. If you have questions about what is covered, please contact your insurance company prior to your appointment.
More diabetes resources
American Diabetes Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Contact Us
What People Are Saying
Dr. Palmer is the best Specialist I have seen to date. Dr Palmer, Sam and Jessica are great. I can tell they truly care about me and my health.
Very professional and competent. Wonderful interpersonal interaction. Staff is the same. Very efficiently run practice as well.
Dr. K was direct and to the point! She listened to my concerns and asked many questions! I feel that she is interested in me and how she can determine my issues.
