1021 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68503
Medical Clinic
Dental Clinic
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bryan Health West Medical Plaza 2222 S 16th Street, Ste. 435, Lincoln, NE 68502
Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed daily from 1:00-2:00 for lunch.
3100 N 14th St Lincoln, NE 68521
Monday — Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2301 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1248 O St., Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508
Our clinic on wheels visits neighborhoods throughout Lincoln, expanding our ability to provide healthcare when and where you need it.
Diabetes affects how your body turns food into energy. Our bodies are designed to break down the food we eat into sugar, also known as glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream.
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Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects about 34.2 million Americans, or approximately 10.5 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Yet, many people aren’t aware that they could be living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of diabetes and the risk factors for diabetes is essential. Our providers at Bluestem Health can help you take the appropriate steps to prevent or manage diabetes.
Diabetes affects how your body turns food into energy. Our bodies are designed to break down the food we eat into sugar, also known as glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, the pancreas is signaled to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that acts like a key into your body’s cells allowing glucose to enter for use as energy.
One of two things happen if you have diabetes. Either your body does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or it can’t use the insulin it does make as well as it should (type 2 diabetes). When there isn’t enough insulin or when cells stop responding to insulin, known as insulin resistance, too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Over time, too much blood sugar in the bloodstream can cause serious health problems.
There are several risk factors that can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Some common warning signs for type 1 diabetes that should prompt an immediate appointment with your doctor include:
Symptoms may and can develop quickly.
An A1C test, which measures the average amount of glucose in a person’s bloodstream over the past 90 days as a percentage, is a secondary test that can also be used to diagnose type 1 diabetes. An A1C over 6.5% indicates diabetes.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Work with your healthcare provider to help you develop a plan to reduce your risk.
At Bluestem Health Piedmont Clinic, our providers are experienced in treating diabetes. They work closely with our certified diabetes care and education specialists – Joni and Molly – to help patients with diabetes control the disease through exercise, nutrition, medications, and checking blood sugars.
To schedule an appointment with a Bluestem Health Piedmont Clinic provider, call (402) 480-7380. If you are a current patient, ask your provider about meeting with a diabetes educator.
Shane Ludwig, Bluestem Health’s COO since 2014, has been developing a skilled and dedicated team as his role and Bluestem Health has grown.
We make it easy for patients to pay with our Online Bill Pay. Not only is it fast and convenient, but your payment is securely processed directly into your account every night.
At Bluestem Health, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we offer a range of financial assistance options, including sliding scale fees, Medicaid, Medicare, and the 340B Pharmacy Program, to help our patients afford the care they need to stay healthy.
