Overview
Endocrinologists and other diabetes specialists at Cleveland Clinic in Florida provide expert care for all types of diabetes. We partner with you to manage this chronic (ongoing) condition, protecting your health and lowering your risk of diabetes-related complications.
Your pancreas makes insulin. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose (sugar) into your cells. When glucose reaches your cells, your body can use it for energy. But when you have diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into your cells. So, your body can’t use the glucose for energy.
People with diabetes have high blood sugar (glucose) levels because they:
- Don’t make enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes).
- Can’t use insulin properly (Type 2 diabetes).
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for Diabetes Care?
- Trusted experts: You receive compassionate care from fellowship-trained endocrinologists specializing in diabetes. We partner with your primary care provider and other specialists to prevent and manage diabetes-related health issues. Meet our doctors.
- Comprehensive treatment: We offer the latest insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and diabetes medications, such as Ozempic® (semaglutide). With your approval, our team takes data from treatment devices to monitor your health and reduce the times you need to meet your provider in person. Explore our diabetes treatments.
- Recognized expertise: Your care team includes certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) who help you successfully manage diabetes. They give you personalized support, device training and offer an American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized diabetes education program. Find out more about diabetes education.
- Skilled collaborative providers: Our registered dietitians help you make nutritional changes to keep your weight and blood sugar levels in a range that’s healthy for you. We offer one-on-one support and group classes. Learn more about nutrition and weight management.
- Specialized knowledge: We keep a close eye on your skin health for signs of diabetes-related wounds that don’t heal. We partner with Cleveland Clinic in Florida wound care specialists if needed to manage these wounds.
Expert care
Our diabetes care team partners with you and other specialists to lower your risk of diabetes-related health complications, including:
- Foot conditions.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy).
- Heart (cardiovascular) disease.
- Kidney disease and kidney failure.
- Vision problems (retinopathy).
Team approach
We personalize a diabetes management care plan that focuses on your specific needs. You get the latest care from a dedicated team that may include these specialties:
- Heart and vascular disease.
- Kidney medicine (nephrology).
- Neurology and neurosurgery.
- Orthopaedics.
- Wound care.
Convenient care
We make it easier for you to get expert diabetes care closer to where you live and work. Diabetes care is available at the following locations:
Treatment
We offer the latest therapies to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and lower your risk of diabetes-related complications. Our certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) provide training and guidance, helping you feel confident about taking control of your treatment.
With your consent, we can access data from certain devices so we can monitor your health remotely. This lets us make treatment changes and reduce the number of times you need to come for an in-person visit.
Our comprehensive diabetes treatments include:
- Blood sugar (glucose) monitoring.
- Insulin pumps and injections.
- Diabetes medications.
Blood sugar monitoring
Blood sugar (glucose) monitoring shows how much insulin your body needs based on blood sugar levels. It can also detect when your blood sugar levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Our healthcare providers offer:
- Continuous glucose monitors: A wearable continuous glucose monitor (CGM) measures your blood sugar 24 hours a day. You may get a temporary CGM to help us adjust the medication at first. We’ll teach you how to successfully use this device for long-term diabetes management.
- Glucose meter training: We help you become skilled at “finger stick tests,” using a lancet (small needle) to prick your finger. You place a drop of blood on a disposable test strip in a glucose meter. The device shows your blood sugar level.
Insulin pumps and injections
If you have certain types of diabetes, you may need insulin several times a day to keep your blood sugar levels stable. We offer a couple different methods including:
- Insulin pumps: A small, wearable insulin pump supplies a continuous flow of insulin. We place this device underneath your skin on your upper arm or abdomen (belly). Most pumps work with continuous glucose monitors to automatically adjust and send insulin doses as needed.
- Insulin injections: Injectable insulin medications include preloaded insulin pens and insulin injections with a syringe.
- Inhaled insulin: You use an inhaler to breathe in insulin powder before a meal.
Diabetes medications
Your provider may recommend diabetes medications if you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. When you have these conditions, your body can’t use insulin as it should. This is known as insulin resistance. You may take more than one diabetes medication or medication in addition to insulin.
Diabetes medications we prescribe include:
- Oral medications: Oral diabetes medications, such as metformin, help your body use insulin more effectively.
- Injectable medications: GLP-1 agonists increase insulin production to lower blood sugar. They include Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Trulicity® (dulaglutide). Some medications also treat obesity that can cause or worsen diabetes.
Diabetes Education
Our certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) provide ongoing education and support. These specialists help you confidently manage diabetes and stay well. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognizes our diabetes education program for its success in helping people manage their blood sugar.
Who needs diabetes education?
Our diabetes education program can help people with diabetes, as well as their caregivers and loved ones, learn to manage this condition. The program is available to people with all types of diabetes, including:
- Children and adults with Type 1 diabetes.
- Children and adults with Type 2 diabetes.
- Pregnant people with gestational diabetes.
What kinds of diabetes education services do we offer?
Our diabetes education program includes several different options for learning — individual counseling, device training, group classes and support groups.
Individual counseling
Our diabetes educators meet one-on-one with you to make sure you understand how diabetes affects your body. They also review your treatment plan with you. These experts can answer questions about diabetes treatment, including medications and insulin therapies. Our team of diabetes educators offers the ongoing support you need to successfully manage diabetes on your own.
Device training
Our endocrinologists and diabetes educators help you choose the best blood sugar monitoring method and diabetes treatment. We consider your specific health needs and comfort with technology. Our diabetes educators provide hands-on insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring training, so you feel confident using these devices.
Group classes
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for years, we offer in-person and online group classes that cover many different topics, including:
- Blood sugar monitoring and diabetes treatment options.
- Diabetes-related hygiene, including for your skin, feet and eyes.
- Exercise and lifestyle changes.
- Mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, that can come with a diabetes diagnosis.
- Nutrition for diabetes, including healthy meal planning and cooking.
- Stress management.
- Ways to prevent or manage complications, such as diabetes-related foot problems and heart (cardiovascular) disease.
Support groups
Our diabetes educators offer in-person and virtual support groups for people with diabetes. Caregivers and loved ones may also participate. We often have guest speakers who talk about diabetes-related topics.
Appointments & Locations
Request an appointment
Make an appointment at a Cleveland Clinic location in Florida or schedule a virtual visit. We also offer virtual second opinions.
