Diabetes and Endocrinology

Diabetes and Endocrinology care consists of a large network of experts. Our board certified experts take pride in a team approach to providing care and delivering the most up-to-date services for the people we serve.

Our practice provides care to people from southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. We are one practice at three locations; New London, Pawcatuck/Stonington, and Westerly.

As a patient, you are the center of our team of experts including physicians, advanced practice nurse practitioners, registered dieticians, and registered nurses. All practitioners are board certified in their specialty. Furthermore, we have been a part of the American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Program for more than 20 years. Our certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) add to the level of expert care and support at each center.

What are diabetes risk factors?

You are at higher risk if you:

• Have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes
• Are over age 45
• Are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander
• Have parent or sibling with diabetes
• Are overweight
• Are physically inactive
• Have high blood pressure or take blood pressure lowering medications
• Have low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
• Had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
• Were diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Education

A comprehensive three-class series is offered at both the New London and Pawcatuck/Stonington locations monthly or bimonthly.

Class 1 - Getting Started

Class 2 - Healthy Eating

Class 3 - Continuing the Journey

The classes are offered in small groups and are covered by most insurance including Medicare.

Support Group

Diabetes Support Group is designed to provide information you may need about the topics that matter most to you. These are led by our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. The groups meet monthly in the New London and Westerly locations.

Individual Appointments

Appointments for individualized diabetes self-management education as well as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) are available with a referral from your primary care or endocrinology medical doctors. These are often covered by insurance, and we encourage you to contact your insurance provider to see if there are any out-of-pocket costs.

Team Approach

Diabetes can be challenging to manage, but be assured you are not alone. Yale New Haven Health specialists are committed to providing you with high quality education and support. Collaborating with specialists across our health care network allows us to individualize your plan of care, including specialty care, as needed. This team approach empowers each individual to learn to manage their own diabetes care knowing that they have support whenever necessary.

Our patient care team:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) - An APRN is a nurse specialist who has many years of continued graduate level education. The APRNs assist the physicians in meeting the needs of our patients with diabetes.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) – (Formerly known as the Certified Diabetes Educator) A CDCES is a health professional who has increased education and knowledge about diabetes. Professionals who are APRNs, RNs, RDs, Podiatrists, Physical or Occupational Therapists, and PharmDs are allowed to hold this designation after completing requirements and passing a certification exam. The CDCES provides additional education, support, and advocacy for people with diabetes.
• Diabetes Nurse Educator - A registered nurse (RN) who works with patients to provide the latest research and information most helpful to empower them to manage their illness. This specialist is a crucial part of the team and works with all providers to improve patient care.
• Endocrinologist - A physician who specializes in the care of the endocrine glands and the hormones produced by them. This includes diabetes and disorders of the thyroid, pituitary, and other endocrine system glands.
• Registered Dietician (RD) - Assist the patient in designing a meal plan that will provide the best nutrition while balancing the carbohydrate containing foods. The registered dietitian takes a realistic approach by balancing the physical needs of the people with diabetes, their lifestyle, budget, and culture.
• Other providers - The Diabetes and Endocrinology Team may collaborate with other specialities as the needs arise. These may include: exercise physiologists, kidney specialists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, retinologists, and mental health experts.

Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery

Yale New Haven Health offers a comprehensive weight-loss program for the patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ or 35 with accompanying health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea are also present.

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