Diabetes

Why choose UCLA Health for diabetes care?

The UCLA Diabetes Program offers a personalized diabetes plan for all people living with diabetes. Our internationally recognized endocrinologists stay on top of the latest treatments and research, so you receive advanced care.

Highlights of our program include:

Coordinated and customized care: We help you manage diabetes to improve your life. Our experts have advanced training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism to help you maintain normal blood sugar levels. We work closely with specialists across departments, including ophthalmology, nephrology, podiatry and vascular surgery to deliver coordinated care.

Advanced technology: We provide training and guidance for people using insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM). Our team is there for you every step of the way, providing education and support as you need it.

Nationally recognized expertise: UCLA Health Diabetes & Endocrinology is ranked No. 3 in the nation by U.S News & World Report. We’re uniquely qualified to deliver a precise diagnosis and innovative treatments.

Latest research: UCLA Health conducts dozens of clinical trials. You benefit from the latest information on treatments, medication and technology to advance diabetes care.

Types of diabetes we treat

Our experienced specialists at UCLA Health diagnose and treat the full range of diabetes conditions. You receive world-class care from a team with advanced training and a compassionate approach. Conditions we treat include:

Prediabetes, a condition that occurs when you have higher-than-normal blood sugar that can develop into type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas makes little to no insulin, a hormone used to make glucose (blood sugar)

Type 2 diabetes, when your body can’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly

Gestational diabetes, a condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a rare genetic form of diabetes that is passed down in families

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus, a condition that occurs after transplant surgery, often a result of antirejection medication (immunosuppressants)

Diabetes treatments we offer

At UCLA Health, diabetes experts tailor a treatment plan to fit your needs. We carefully consider your age, lifestyle and goals. Our team works closely with you to determine the best approach.

Doctors often prescribe medications to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar. Your doctor may recommend any of the following to improve glucose levels:

• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
• Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
• Insulin
• Meglitinides
• Metformin
• Sodium glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor
• Sulfonylureas
• Thiazolidinediones

We offer the most advanced technology to support your health, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery systems. Our skilled team partners with you to ensure your success.

In some cases, our endocrinologists may recommend bariatric surgery (weight reduction surgery) for patients with obesity. This type of surgery can improve diabetes by helping to control blood sugar.

Support and education

We understand diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage. At UCLA Health, you receive the support you need to stay healthy and active. We support you and your family throughout your care, providing information about diabetes and assisting you with healthy lifestyle choices.

Our program offers support groups and education workshops for people who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You can find others who may share your experiences and attend self-care classes to help you successfully manage diabetes. You may also attend our annual Healthy Living with Diabetes Patient Conference.

Meet our team

Our internationally recognized endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators work closely with leading researchers on advancements to improve patient care. You benefit from our extensive experience to help you manage diabetes and reduce your risk of complications.