South Georgia Medical Center - Diabetes Management Center

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South Georgia Medical Center - Diabetes Management Center
3018 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31602

229-333-1000

Endocrinologist Jennifer Lawrence, MD, Recognized

For Quality Diabetes Care

South Georgia Medical Center affiliated endocrinologist Jennifer Lawrence, MD, has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for achievement in the delivery of quality diabetes care. This national recognition demonstrates Dr. Lawrence’s commitment to provide a high level of comprehensive care for diabetes patients receiving treatment at the Diabetes Management Center at SGMC.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects 20.8 million people in America. Because this disease increases a persons risk for other serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes must be carefully managed. The SGMC Diabetes Management Center (DMC) is a multidisciplinary program that provides

comprehensive patient evaluation and treatment of diabetes and diabetes related conditions. The DMC’s affiliated physician and

knowledgeable diabetes educators, physician’s assistant, registered nurses and registered dietitian provides diabetes management services using a team approach, on a non-emergency, outpatient basis. The DMC is not a source of primary medical care. If you or

someone you love is affected by diabetes, consult with a doctor.

Referrals and patient consults are accepted from physicians throughout the region. The DMC has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education for over ten years. The DMC’s medical director, Endocrinologist Jennifer Lawrence, MD, has

been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for achievement in the delivery of quality diabetes care. This national recognition demonstrates Dr. Lawrence’s commitment to provide a high level of comprehensive care for diabetes patients.

For more information, call

229-249-4121.




Diabetic Conditions Treated

Education

Clinic Tract

Location and Hours of Operation

Contact Us



Diabetic Conditions Treated
The most common diabetic conditions evaluated and treated include, but are not limited to:
Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly, over a few days to weeks. Occasionally, symptoms are first noticed after an illness, such as the flu. (The illness does not cause diabetes. See the Cause section of this topic.) The person may think the symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are related to the illness and may not seek medical care.

Symptoms of diabetes are the result of high blood sugar (glucose) levels and may include:

* Frequent urination (which may be more noticeable at night). Some young children who have learned to use the toilet may start wetting the bed during naps or at night.
* Extreme thirst and a dry mouth.
* Sometimes, increased hunger.
* Weight loss.

Often a person's blood sugar level is very high before he or she seeks medical care. Then symptoms of high blood sugar are more noticeable and include:

* Blurred vision.
* Drowsiness or difficulty waking up. Young children may lack interest in their normal activities.
* Fast and shallow breathing (Kussmaul respirations).
* A strong, fruity breath odor (similar to nail polish remover or acetone).
* Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and/or vomiting.

If a person's blood sugar level is high, diabetic ketoacidosis can develop. If the blood sugar level continues to rise, the person may become confused, lethargic, or unconscious. Ketoacidosis can lead to a life-threatening situation.
Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms

Because high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) develop gradually in people with type 2 diabetes, there often are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Also, most symptoms of diabetes are not specific for the disease. The person may ignore them or may think they are caused by an illness or aging. As a result, the person with type 2 diabetes may have the disease for many years before he or she knows it.

Symptoms of diabetes are the result of high blood sugar (glucose) levels and may include:

* Frequent urination (especially at night).
* Extreme thirst and a dry mouth.
* Sometimes, increased hunger.
* Weight loss.
* Blurred vision.

Other signs of diabetes may include:

* Tiredness (fatigue).
* Dry, itchy skin.
* Repeated or persistent infections.
* Numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet or hands.
* Slow healing of wounds.

After a person has been diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, the person may notice symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) when his or her blood sugar is above a safe range. However, mild symptoms of high blood sugar can become less noticeable over time. Symptoms of high blood sugar may indicate that the person has not been following his or her prescribed treatment, the person is ill, or the person's medication for diabetes needs adjusting.

People with type 2 diabetes who take insulin shots and/or certain pills used to treat diabetes are at increased risk for low blood sugar level emergencies (hypoglycemia). Usually they have only mild symptoms of low blood sugar that are easily treated by eating or drinking something that contains sugar. However, they need to treat symptoms of low blood sugar to prevent low blood sugar level emergencies.
Gestational Diabetes
Symptoms

Many women are surprised when they learn that they have gestational diabetes, because they have had no symptoms. A few women notice symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, and blurred vision.

Please note: All age groups are served by the DMC except infants under the age of 18 months; however, a pediatric endocrinology clinic is offered in Valdosta monthly. Contact the DMC for more information.

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Education
The DMC serves diabetic persons living throughout South Georgia and North Florida. Patients with all types of diabetes are evaluated and treated. Our Diabetes Self-Management Education program has been American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized for over ten years, and is reimbursed by many insurance plans. Our education team includes two registered nurses, both of which are certified diabetes educators, a registered dietitian, a wound care nurse and YOU (the patient), along with your caregiver.

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Clinic Tract
The DMC provides consultation for the medical management of diabetes in adult patients only. Under the direction of a board certified endocrinologist Jennifer Lawrence, M.D., team members work with each individual patient to meet the standards of care established by the ADA and the patient's own personal goals. This system integrates technologically advanced innovations in diabetes testing, monitoring and treatment including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring.