Talk to the practitioners at Penn State Health for the latest in diabetic care and treatment options. We offer team-based diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient care, personalized education sessions and the latest treatments for controlling and managing diabetes. Our providers focus on both evaluation and education to help you and your entire family understand diabetes and how to manage it.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

This year, the CDC reported that an estimated 130 million adults have diabetes, or prediabetes, in the United States. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which your body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. There are several blood tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes, and your physician will also check to see if you have symptoms. High blood sugar levels can cause severe symptoms, including:

 Blurry Vision
 Excessive Thirst
 Fatigue
 Frequent Urination
 Hunger
 Weight Loss

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, which is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and type 2, which is typically caused by environmental factors. Other forms of diabetes are less common and include monogenic diabetes, which is a single-gene defect that reduces production, and diabetes associated with medications and cystic fibrosis.

Type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune disease with no cure.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly over a short period of time. Oftentimes, people can be very sick by the time they are diagnosed. With the latest glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps to help manage blood sugar levels, type 1 diabetic patients can live relatively normal lives.

Type 2 diabetes can be well controlled with significant lifestyle adjustments to eating habits and weight management.

Type 2 diabetes typically develops slowly, so patients with high blood sugar levels might not exhibit symptoms. Carefully controlling glucose can help prevent or delay diabetes complications for both type 1 and 2.

Type 1 diabetes is a life-long autoimmune disease with no cure.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly over a short period of time. Oftentimes, people can be very sick by the time they are diagnosed. With the latest glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps to help manage blood sugar levels, type 1 diabetic patients can live relatively normal lives.

Type 2 diabetes can be well controlled with significant lifestyle adjustments to eating habits and weight management.

Type 2 diabetes typically develops slowly, so patients with high blood sugar levels might not exhibit symptoms. Carefully controlling glucose can help prevent or delay diabetes complications for both type 1 and 2.

Why Choose Penn State Health for Care

Penn State Health provides research-driven care close to home. From diagnosis through treatment and disease management, you'll get the support and education you need. We have dedicated diabetes nurse educators who work with you and your family. Patients of all ages can count on a high level of care from the Penn State Health Endocrinology team.

Penn State Health – Park Avenue

814-235-2480  |  1850 E Park Ave, State College, PA 16803