Diabetes
How We Can Help You
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes abnormally high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can lead to several other conditions, such as heart or kidney disease, nerve damage, or vision problems.
At Stanford, our experienced endocrinologists and other care providers help you manage diabetes and avoid complications, so you can live a full, active life. We guide you throughout the process and help you learn various techniques to keep diabetes under control. You’ll have access to the latest technology, fitness and nutrition classes, one-on-one counseling, medication, and support groups.
What We Offer You For Diabetes
- Patient-centered care with a diabetes care team who provides you with a personalized road map for managing and treating diabetes to fit your lifestyle.
- Expert staff including Certified Diabetes Educators® who have advanced training in managing, preventing, and treating diabetes.
- Collaborative team of doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses, behavior specialists, pharmacists, and registered dietitians working together to ensure you get the comprehensive care you need.
- Robust support services that include classes and one-on-one training in nutrition, fitness, and stress management, as well as a monthly support group.
- Advanced technology such as digital blood glucose meters and fitness and nutrition apps for sharing data between patients and their care team.
Treatment for Diabetes
Our renowned diabetes care team uses innovative tools and techniques to treat this chronic condition. Our skilled team includes highly trained Certified Diabetes Educators®, along with endocrinologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, and specialists from other fields.
We create a comprehensive plan that’s tailored to your needs. You’ll have a personalized treatment solution that focuses on managing diabetes, avoiding complications, or preventing prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes. And we support you every step of the way.
Stanford Health Care has a 91% success rate in helping people with diabetes manage their condition over time.
Self-Care
Care for Complications
Diabetes Prevention
We will develop an action plan, created for your needs and lifestyle. The goal is to make realistic, sustainable changes. New technology can help you manage diabetes with our support.
Elements of our plan include:
Nutrition counseling
You can meet with a registered dietitian in a small group class or individually to set goals and determine a plan.
Medication
A pharmacist will support you in meeting your medication needs. In class or individual sessions, you can learn about dosing and insulin pen or pump use, and receive glucose meter and sensor training.
Exercise plans
A certified fitness instructor and exercise physiologist will work with you on manageable ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily life.
Technology
We use the latest apps and tools to make it easy to track your nutrition, physical activity, rest, blood glucose levels, and medicine dosages.
Classes and support groups
You can attend a monthly support group led by a Certified Diabetes Educator® to discuss the challenges of living with diabetes. See our class offerings »
Our staff works with you to prevent complications that may arise from diabetes. If complications do emerge, our team works across disciplines to get you specialized care immediately.
Complications from diabetes may include:
Foot care
Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage or circulation problems, which can contribute to foot problems or infection. Our foot and ankle podiatry team will work with you to prevent or treat any issues.
Dermatology
If your blood sugar levels are too high, it may affect your skin, causing blisters, yellow or brown patches, or hard, thickening skin. If you notice any of these signs, your primary care provider can refer you to our Dermatology Clinic for care. Dermatologists in this department specialize in providing skin care for people with diabetes.
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage (neuropathy) from diabetes often affects the extremities, especially the legs and feet.
Pain management
People with diabetes may have chronic pain, often in their back, feet, or hands. Our providers will work with you to help manage the pain so you can live the best quality of life.
Wound healing
For people with diabetes, wounds tend to get worse quickly and heal more slowly. Your primary care provider and all members of your support team are here to help with your healing. Our specialists at the Advanced Wound Care Center can help manage and heal wounds that need extra attention.
Cardiovascular health
People with diabetes and certain risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol) are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke. Your diabetes care team will work closely with our Cardiovascular Health Clinic to delay or prevent the development of heart disease.
Kidney disease
Over time, diabetes can cause kidney damage known as diabetic nephropathy. We provide regular screenings for kidney disease and work to slow the progression if it’s already present.
Depression
Because managing diabetes may require significant lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes may feel burned out or depressed. Our monthly support group, led by a Certified Diabetes Educator® and psychiatrist, gives patients an opportunity to connect with other people managing diabetes. We work closely with Stanford’s Psychiatry Department to help people get the treatment they need. Learn about our Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic.
Fatty liver disease
People with type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk for developing fatty liver disease. If not managed, it can progress to more serious conditions, including cirrhosis. We collaborate closely with our Liver Clinic (Hepatology) to help people with diabetes prevent fatty liver disease or delay its progression.
Eye problems
Diabetes may damage blood vessels in the eyes, which can result in cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. It is important to have your eyes checked regularly. Our eye specialists have extensive training and experience treating eye disorders related to diabetes.
Reducing type 2 diabetes risk involves modifications to your diet and exercise routine. Even small lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk. At Stanford, we will come up with a tailored plan to reverse prediabetes. The plan will include working with you to make long-term lifestyle changes.
You can reverse prediabetes through these steps:
Avoid carbs and processed foods
Eat a diet low in fat and calories. Avoid simple carbs (such as pasta and rice) and processed foods (such as crackers or cookies).
Eat wholesome foods
Include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, such as quinoa and farro. Because they are high in soluble fiber, they can help control blood insulin and glucose levels.
Practice portion control
Eating smaller amounts can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Stay active
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity most days of the week, five days per week. Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance for better blood sugar control.
Lose excess weight
You can improve your blood sugar level and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by losing as little as five to 10 percent of your body weight.
We will develop an action plan, created for your needs and lifestyle. The goal is to make realistic, sustainable changes. New technology can help you manage diabetes with our support.
Elements of our plan include:
Nutrition counseling
You can meet with a registered dietitian in a small group class or individually to set goals and determine a plan.
Medication
A pharmacist will support you in meeting your medication needs. In class or individual sessions, you can learn about dosing and insulin pen or pump use, and receive glucose meter and sensor training.
Exercise plans
A certified fitness instructor and exercise physiologist will work with you on manageable ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily life.
Technology
We use the latest apps and tools to make it easy to track your nutrition, physical activity, rest, blood glucose levels, and medicine dosages.
Classes and support groups
You can attend a monthly support group led by a Certified Diabetes Educator® to discuss the challenges of living with diabetes. See our class offerings »
close Self-Care
Our staff works with you to prevent complications that may arise from diabetes. If complications do emerge, our team works across disciplines to get you specialized care immediately.
Complications from diabetes may include:
Foot care
Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage or circulation problems, which can contribute to foot problems or infection. Our foot and ankle podiatry team will work with you to prevent or treat any issues.
Dermatology
If your blood sugar levels are too high, it may affect your skin, causing blisters, yellow or brown patches, or hard, thickening skin. If you notice any of these signs, your primary care provider can refer you to our Dermatology Clinic for care. Dermatologists in this department specialize in providing skin care for people with diabetes.
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage (neuropathy) from diabetes often affects the extremities, especially the legs and feet.
Pain management
People with diabetes may have chronic pain, often in their back, feet, or hands. Our providers will work with you to help manage the pain so you can live the best quality of life.
Wound healing
For people with diabetes, wounds tend to get worse quickly and heal more slowly. Your primary care provider and all members of your support team are here to help with your healing. Our specialists at the Advanced Wound Care Center can help manage and heal wounds that need extra attention.
Cardiovascular health
People with diabetes and certain risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol) are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke. Your diabetes care team will work closely with our Cardiovascular Health Clinic to delay or prevent the development of heart disease.
Kidney disease
Over time, diabetes can cause kidney damage known as diabetic nephropathy. We provide regular screenings for kidney disease and work to slow the progression if it’s already present.
Depression
Because managing diabetes may require significant lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes may feel burned out or depressed. Our monthly support group, led by a Certified Diabetes Educator® and psychiatrist, gives patients an opportunity to connect with other people managing diabetes. We work closely with Stanford’s Psychiatry Department to help people get the treatment they need. Learn about our Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic.
Fatty liver disease
People with type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk for developing fatty liver disease. If not managed, it can progress to more serious conditions, including cirrhosis. We collaborate closely with our Liver Clinic (Hepatology) to help people with diabetes prevent fatty liver disease or delay its progression.
Eye problems
Diabetes may damage blood vessels in the eyes, which can result in cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. It is important to have your eyes checked regularly. Our eye specialists have extensive training and experience treating eye disorders related to diabetes.
close Care for Complications
Reducing type 2 diabetes risk involves modifications to your diet and exercise routine. Even small lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk. At Stanford, we will come up with a tailored plan to reverse prediabetes. The plan will include working with you to make long-term lifestyle changes.
You can reverse prediabetes through these steps:
Avoid carbs and processed foods
Eat a diet low in fat and calories. Avoid simple carbs (such as pasta and rice) and processed foods (such as crackers or cookies).
Eat wholesome foods
Include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, such as quinoa and farro. Because they are high in soluble fiber, they can help control blood insulin and glucose levels.
Practice portion control
Eating smaller amounts can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Stay active
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity most days of the week, five days per week. Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance for better blood sugar control.
Lose excess weight
You can improve your blood sugar level and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by losing as little as five to 10 percent of your body weight.
close Diabetes Prevention
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, or drug. At Stanford Health Care, you may have access to the latest clinical trials on new oral and injectable therapies for diabetes.
Our diabetes research also focuses on technological advances for monitors and glucose pumps. Our Pediatric Endocrinology College runs clinical trials for type 1 diabetes technology for both pediatric and adult patients.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Myo Wong at 650-736-2743.
What is Diabetes?
To request an appointment by phone, call us:
Stanford Primary Care in Palo Alto:
650-498-9000
Stanford Primary Care in Santa Clara:
408-688-9720
Our Clinics
Our Diabetes Education and Prevention Program is integrated into Stanford's primary care clinic. Our two full service diabetes clinics serve people throughout the Bay Area with nutrition counseling, support groups, and fitness classes in both English and Spanish.
211 Quarry Road
211 Quarry RoadPalo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-498-9000 Getting Here »
RELATED CLINICS
2nd Floor, Suite 207
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-723-5440
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone: 408-688-9720
Suite 110
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 650-721-1300