Kidney & Hypertension Care
Our team of diabetes and kidney disease specialists will monitor you, detect any early problems, and treat any problems.
Adult Diabetes
Appointments
Personalized Care for You
In the Adult Clinic at BIDMC at Joslin Diabetes Center, each new patient is assigned to a care team made up of endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses, dietitians and exercise physiologists, all of whom are certified diabetes educators. This multi-disciplinary approach ensure people with diabetes get the most advanced medical care, education and aggressive prevention and management of complications.
Our team works with you to manage your diabetes by creating a personalized care plan, based on your unique health profile and lifestyle. We will work directly with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers throughout your experience at Joslin.
If you’re an adult living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s possible to manage your condition and live a long, healthy life. Patients from all over the world visit the Adult Clinic at BIDMC at Joslin Diabetes Center to manage their condition, prevent complications, and learn the latest wellness techniques.
In This Section
Care From Every Angle
Joslin Diabetes Center offers easy access to specialists who understand diabetes and its impact on other parts of your health including cardiovascular health and mental health. We have specialists who can help you deal with the day-to-day pressures of diabetes, manage your weight or help treat your hypertension.
Diabetes has many facets. It can have an impact on many parts of your health. But with the right care, it’s easily managed. At Joslin, you’ll receive specialized care for every part of your body and mind, as well as diabetes — so you don’t have to visit multiple locations and doctors.
Your Journey at Joslin
Discover how our patient care approach stands out and why people from all over the world visit Joslin for treatment and ongoing care.
Diagnosis
Our doctors rely on several different approaches to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes:
- A1C: This test measures your average blood glucose for the past couple of months. It doesn’t require you to fast or drink a special liquid. If you have an A1C of greater than or equal to 6.5%, you will be diagnosed with diabetes.
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): This diagnostic test requires you to fast for at least eight hours before the test, so it’s usually done in the morning before you eat breakfast. An FPG will test your fasting bloog glucose levels. If your levels are 126 mg/dl or higher, you will be diagnosed with diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): The OGTT checks your blood glucose levels before and two hours after you drink a special liquid. With this test, your doctor can learn how your body processes glucose. If your two-hour blood glucose level is 200 mg/dl or higher, you will be diagnosed with diabetes.
- Random (casual) plasma glucose test: This is a blood test that can be done at any time. Doctors will often order this test for patients with severe diabetes symptoms. If the test reports a blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl, you will be diagnosed with diabetes.
Treatment
Our treatment approach is different for every patient — and varies depending on whether a patient is diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. That’s because every one of our patients has unique healthcare needs. In general, we we’ve found these techniques help our patients thrive and enjoy better health:
- Monitoring blood sugar: We ask our patients to monitor and record their blood sugar throughout the day. This makes sure their blood sugar levels stay in check. We also offer regular A1C testing at our clinic.
- Insulin therapy: Many people with type 1 diabetes, as well as some people with type 2 diabetes, need insulin therapy. We offer a range of the latest insulin therapies, and your doctor will work with you to find the right approach.
- Medication: Sometimes we prescribe oral or injected medications to support the pancreas and release insulin, or prevent the release of glucose from the liver. Your doctor will talk with you about available medication options and if they’re right for you.
- Nutrition counseling: Our team includes a registered dietitian who can prepare a specialized nutrition plan for you. You can work together to understand the types of foods you should eat, how much, and how often.
- Exercise plans: Regular exercise can help regulate your blood sugar levels. Plus, exercise can give you more energy and supports your mental wellbeing. An exercise physiologist will prescribe a doable exercise plan that includes activities you enjoy.
- Specialty care, when needed: We are in close proximity to some of Boston’s top hospital and specialists. When needed, we partner with experts at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for bariatric surgery, transplantation, and other specialized care.
Education
Educating patients is a big part of what we do at Joslin. Our experienced nurse educators offer one-on-one consultations with patients, as well as group classes. In our classes, we cover important topics, such as:
- The basics of diabetes
- Your first steps in living with diabetes
- Creating an exercise plan
- Healthy foods to eat
- How to use an insulin pump
- New technologies that treat diabetes
- And much more
Maintenance
Our patients become lifelong members of the Joslin family. We work with them throughout their lives to help keep diabetes under control. This starts with careful blood glucose monitoring — both throughout the day and through regular A1C testing.
Because lifestyle changes make a big impact on diabetes, our dietitians and exercise physiologists will help you maintain your health going forward. We’ll recommend adjustments to your exercise routine and diet, as needed, and do everything possible to keep complications at bay.
As a Joslin patient, you’ll be welcomed by our whole team, get to know our staff, and be invited to patient events and activities. Joslin patients receive more than just treatment for diabetes — they experience lifelong support and community.
Adult Care Specialties
Our team works with you to manage your diabetes by creating a personalized care plan, based on your unique health profile and lifestyle.
Asian American Diabetes Initiative
Joslin's Asian Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive patient care and an education model tailored to address the specific needs of Asian Americans with diabetes. Visit us to discover how our comprehensive approach can benefit you and your loved ones.
Older Adult Diabetes Program
Older patients have unique challenges when managing their diabetes. By providing exceptional care, we ensure that you or your loved ones have the tools they need to meet those challenges.
Latinx Diabetes Clinic
The Joslin Diabetes Center's Latinx Clinic is committed to delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive care, addressing the specific needs of individuals of Latino heritage with diabetes. Visit us to discover how our personalized approach can positively impact your diabetes management.
Pregnancy Program
Having a baby is one of the happiest times in a woman’s life. But, a diagnosis of diabetes can make it more stressful. The team at Joslin treats pregnant women with diabetes so they can enjoy peace of mind during pregnancy and have a healthy baby.
Young Adult Care
Joslin offers a specialized clinic for young adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The specialists in our Young Adult Clinic understand the unique needs of pre-teens, teens, and younger adults — and customize treatment approaches just for them.
Becoming a Joslin Patient
Your First Steps
If your primary care physician has diagnosed you with diabetes or prediabetes, you’ve come to the right place. Joslin Diabetes Center is one of the nation’s top institutes for diabetes care, education, and research.
