Diabetes Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. This happens when the body does not make enough insulin, or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells for energy.

In Michigan and across the Grand Rapids area, diabetes is common and increasing, especially as people get older and rates of overweight and obesity rise. Early diagnosis and good management can greatly reduce the risk of serious complications.

How the Body Uses Glucose

Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. It comes from foods that contain carbohydrates, such as:

  • Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes
  • Fruit and fruit juices
  • Milk and yogurt
  • Beans and lentils

After you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. This glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. To be used for energy, glucose must move from the blood into the body’s cells. Insulin acts like a key, opening channels in the cell walls so glucose can enter.

Excess glucose can be stored in the liver and muscles, or converted to fat and stored in other tissues. This whole process is called glucose metabolism.

In diabetes:

  • The pancreas may not make insulin at all (type 1 diabetes), or
  • The body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance), and the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand (type 2 diabetes).

When insulin cannot do its job, glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into the cells. Over time, high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.

Types of Diabetes Seen in Grand Rapids

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas makes little or no insulin.

Key points about type 1 diabetes:

  • Often starts in childhood or young adulthood, but can occur at any age.
  • Requires lifelong insulin treatment (by injection or insulin pump).
  • Managed with a combination of insulin, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and regular blood glucose monitoring.
  • There is currently no cure, but it can be well controlled with proper care.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) in Type 1 Diabetes

If a person with type 1 diabetes:

  • Takes too much insulin,
  • Skips or delays meals, or
  • Exercises more than usual without adjusting food or insulin,

their blood sugar may drop too low (hypoglycemia).

Common symptoms include:

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Hunger
  • Headache
  • Irritability or mood changes

Low blood sugar needs quick treatment:

  1. Have a fast-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets, regular soda, fruit juice, or a small handful of jellybeans).
  2. Follow up with a more substantial snack or meal that includes carbohydrates and some protein (such as fruit and yogurt, or a sandwich).

People with type 1 diabetes should always keep rapidly absorbable carbohydrates with them, especially during Grand Rapids winters when getting help or food quickly may be more difficult.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting the majority of people with the condition in West Michigan.

In type 2 diabetes:

  • The body becomes resistant to insulin (insulin resistance), and
  • Over time, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal.

Risk increases with:

  • Being overweight or obese, especially carrying extra weight around the waist (“apple” body shape)
  • Low physical activity levels
  • Unhealthy eating patterns
  • Family history of type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels
  • Older age (more common over 40, but increasingly seen in younger adults and teens)

Type 2 diabetes used to be called “non–insulin-dependent” or “adult-onset” diabetes, but these terms are no longer commonly used because younger people can also develop it, and some people with type 2 eventually need insulin.

Research shows that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, including:

  • Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Being physically active most days of the week
  • Eating a balanced, high-fiber, lower-sugar, lower-saturated-fat diet
  • Not smoking

In Grand Rapids, local programs through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health often offer diabetes prevention and lifestyle classes, including nutrition counseling and exercise programs.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. It occurs when pregnancy hormones make it harder for insulin to work, and the body cannot make enough extra insulin.

Women are at higher risk for gestational diabetes if they:

  • Are over 30 years of age
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can cause:

  • Excessive growth and fat accumulation in the baby (large-for-gestational-age baby)
  • Higher chance of birth complications
  • Low blood sugar in the newborn after delivery if the mother’s blood sugar was high before birth

With regular monitoring and treatment (diet changes, physical activity, and sometimes insulin), these risks can be greatly reduced. The baby will not be born with diabetes, but both mother and child have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Pregnant women in Grand Rapids can receive screening and support through OB/GYN practices and maternity services at local hospitals such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It usually has no symptoms.

Risk factors include:

  • Overweight or obesity
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal cholesterol levels
  • Heart disease
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Without lifestyle changes, about 1 in 3 people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

The good news: pre-diabetes can often be reversed with:

  • Weight loss (even 5–7% of body weight can help)
  • Regular physical activity
  • Healthy eating patterns
  • Stopping smoking

Local Grand Rapids primary care providers, as well as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs, can help identify and manage pre-diabetes.

Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that is different from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not caused by high blood sugar.

Instead, it results from a problem with vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which is produced by the brain and helps the kidneys control the amount of water in the body.

In diabetes insipidus:

  • The body does not make enough vasopressin, or
  • The kidneys do not respond properly to it.

This causes:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Passing very large amounts of urine (in severe cases, up to 30 liters per day)

Without treatment, diabetes insipidus can lead to dehydration and dangerous changes in blood salt (sodium) levels.

Treatment may include:

  • Medications to replace vasopressin or help it work better
  • A low-salt diet
  • Careful monitoring of fluid intake and output

Evaluation and management are usually done by an endocrinologist, available through major Grand Rapids healthcare systems.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

  • Being more thirsty than usual
  • Passing more urine than usual
  • Feeling very tired or lacking energy
  • Slow-healing cuts or wounds
  • Frequent infections, including skin and genital infections
  • Itching, especially around the genitals
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss

In some people, especially with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, there may be no symptoms for a long time. This is why regular screening is important, particularly if you live in West Michigan and have risk factors such as overweight, family history, or high blood pressure.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A Medical Emergency

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication that usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in type 2 diabetes under severe stress or illness.

DKA happens when:

  • The body has very little or no insulin,
  • It cannot use glucose for energy, and
  • It starts breaking down fat rapidly for fuel, producing acids called ketones.

High levels of ketones and glucose in the blood make it acidic and can lead to coma if not treated quickly.

Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Symptoms can develop over hours to a day and may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Excessive thirst
  • Passing large amounts of urine
  • Deep, rapid breathing
  • Fruity or acetone-like breath odor
  • Extreme tiredness or confusion
  • Altered consciousness or coma (in severe cases)

When to Seek Immediate Help in Grand Rapids

DKA is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately (Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or the closest ER) if you or someone you know with diabetes shows signs of DKA, especially if they are vomiting, very drowsy, or confused.

Complications of Long-Term High Blood Glucose

Over time, poorly controlled diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious complications, including:

  • Kidney damage (nephropathy) – can lead to kidney failure and need for dialysis
  • Eye damage (retinopathy) – can cause vision loss and blindness
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy) – especially in the feet and legs, causing pain, numbness, or loss of sensation
  • Foot ulcers and infections – due to poor circulation and nerve damage; can lead to amputation if not treated promptly
  • Heart disease and stroke – higher risk of angina, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes
  • Circulation problems in the legs – peripheral artery disease
  • Sexual difficulties – including erectile dysfunction in men

Regular check-ups with your healthcare team in Grand Rapids, including eye exams, kidney tests, and foot checks, are essential to prevent or detect complications early.

Tests for Diabetes in Grand Rapids

If you are at risk for diabetes or have symptoms, your Grand Rapids doctor can order blood tests to check your glucose levels. These tests should be done in a laboratory, not just with a home meter.

Common tests include:

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

  • Measures blood sugar after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours (usually done before breakfast).
  • Used to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

  • Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary solution.
  • Often used to diagnose gestational diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes.

Random Blood Glucose Test

  • Measures blood sugar at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate.
  • Can suggest diabetes if very high, especially with symptoms.

HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) Test

  • Measures average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
  • Used for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of diabetes control.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have risk factors (overweight, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pre-diabetes), speak with your primary care provider about getting tested.

Treatment and Management of Diabetes

Treatment aims to:

  • Keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range
  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
  • Prevent or delay complications

Management depends on the type of diabetes, but may include:

  • Insulin therapy (daily injections or insulin pump) – essential for type 1 diabetes, and sometimes needed for type 2.
  • Oral or injectable medications – for type 2 diabetes to improve insulin sensitivity, increase insulin production, or reduce glucose production by the liver.
  • Healthy eating – focusing on high-fiber carbohydrates (such as beans, whole fruits, whole grains), lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Regular physical activity – aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, adjusted for Michigan’s seasonal weather (indoor options during cold winters).
  • Self-monitoring of blood glucose – using a home glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
  • Weight management – even modest weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
  • Stopping smoking – crucial to reduce heart and circulation risks.

People at risk or living with diabetes in Grand Rapids can access diabetes education and support through local hospitals, clinics, and certified diabetes educators.

Lifestyle Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

  • Being overweight or obese, especially with excess fat around the waist
  • Low levels of physical activity (including more than 2 hours of TV or screen time per day)
  • Unhealthy eating habits, such as frequent high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, or low-fiber foods
  • Smoking

Addressing these factors can significantly reduce your risk. In Grand Rapids, consider:

  • Using local walking and biking trails (when weather permits)
  • Indoor exercise facilities and community centers during winter
  • Nutrition counseling through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Smoking cessation programs offered by local health systems and the Kent County Health Department

Self-Care Tips for Living With Diabetes in Grand Rapids

Managing diabetes is a daily commitment, but you do not have to do it alone. Suggestions to manage your diabetes include:

  • Check your blood glucose levels regularly as advised by your healthcare team.
  • Use medications exactly as prescribed. Do not change or stop diabetes tablets or insulin without talking to your doctor.
  • Be physically active as often as you can. In winter, consider indoor walking tracks, malls, gyms, or home exercise.
  • Choose healthy foods in appropriate portions, including plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Keep a source of fast-acting carbohydrates with you (like glucose tablets or candies) in case of low blood sugar, especially if you use insulin or certain diabetes medications.
  • Seek medical advice promptly if you feel unwell, have vomiting, high blood sugars that won’t come down, or signs of infection.
  • Look after your mental health. Chronic conditions like diabetes can be stressful. Talk to your doctor if you feel anxious or depressed. Local counseling services and mental health resources are available in Grand Rapids.
  • Consider joining a support group for people with diabetes to share experiences, tips, and encouragement.

Your diabetes care team may include:

  • Your primary care doctor (GP)
  • Endocrinologist (diabetes specialist)
  • Diabetes educator
  • Dietitian or nutritionist
  • Podiatrist (foot care specialist)
  • Eye specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist)
  • Pharmacist
  • Mental health professional

Local Diabetes Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you have access to high-quality diabetes care and support through multiple health systems and community resources, including:

  • Your GP or primary care provider

  • Local community health centers in Grand Rapids and Kent County

  • Endocrinology and diabetes clinics at:

    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

  • Kent County Health Department – public health programs, nutrition and lifestyle resources

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community wellness programs – screenings, education, and support groups

  • American Diabetes Association – education, advocacy, and support resources (national and regional)

Ask your doctor for referrals to certified diabetes educators and local support groups in Grand Rapids to help you manage your condition effectively.

Key Points

  • Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood glucose levels are too high because the body does not make or use insulin properly.
  • The body uses glucose from carbohydrates as its main source of energy, and insulin helps move glucose into cells.
  • High blood glucose over time can cause serious complications, including kidney, eye, nerve, heart, and circulation problems.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency; seek immediate care if symptoms such as vomiting, deep breathing, confusion, or altered consciousness occur.
  • Type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes, and diabetes insipidus are different conditions with different causes and treatments.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, you can access comprehensive diabetes care through local hospitals, clinics, and public health programs.
  • Early testing, healthy lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical care are key to preventing complications and living well with diabetes.