Diabetes
On this page
Why choose UCSF Health for diabetes management and care?
Living with diabetes can be challenging. At UCSF Health, you have the knowledge and support of a specialized team on your side. Whether you've just been diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, we provide the guidance you need to take care of yourself, reduce your risk of complications and live your healthiest life possible.
UCSF Health is home to one of the only diabetes research centers in the country, designated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. We translate breakthrough discoveries into better care for our patients, who are often among the first to benefit from promising new therapies. We're also training the next generation of diabetes experts through our fellowship program, which means we're setting the standard for high-quality care, now and in the future.
Why choose UCSF Health for diabetes management and care?
Living with diabetes can be challenging. At UCSF Health, you have the knowledge and support of a specialized team on your side. Whether you've just been diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, we provide the guidance you need to take care of yourself, reduce your risk of complications and live your healthiest life possible.
UCSF Health is home to one of the only diabetes research centers in the country, designated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. We translate breakthrough discoveries into better care for our patients, who are often among the first to benefit from promising new therapies. We're also training the next generation of diabetes experts through our fellowship program, which means we're setting the standard for high-quality care, now and in the future.
Care for complex conditions
Our board-certified endocrinologists specialize in diabetes subtypes, such as complex metabolic disease and diabetes following organ transplantation.Convenient access
We offer in-person care at multiple locations in the Bay Area, as well as virtual visits that allow you to check in with your provider from anywhere.Training and education
We provide expert guidance on using insulin pumps, glucose monitoring devices and other technologies to make it easier to manage diabetes successfully.Diabetes research opportunities
Patients can contribute to our biorepository, a collection of imaging data and biological samples that allows us to stay at the forefront of diabetes research.
Our areas of expertise in diabetes care
Diabetes is a complex disease that affects your body in many ways, which is why it's so important to get care from a multispecialty team. At UCSF Health, our endocrinologists collaborate with nephrologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, pharmacists and many other specialists. They work together to make sure your care addresses all your needs.
Types of diabetes we treat
We're known regionally and nationally for our extensive experience and expertise diagnosing and treating all types of diabetes, including rare forms not routinely seen at other institutions.
We specialize in:
Type 1 diabetes. This is an autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, so your pancreas makes little or no insulin (an essential hormone that turns sugar into energy your body can use).
Type 2 diabetes. In this chronic condition, your body doesn't use insulin properly, so your blood glucose (sugar) levels get too high.
Gestational diabetes. This diabetes can develop during pregnancy and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Monogenic diabetes. These are uncommon types of diabetes, each caused by a distinct genetic mutation that requires specialized diagnosis and genetic testing.
Drug-induced diabetes. You may develop this from taking certain medications, such as steroids, immunotherapies and immunosuppressants.
Diabetes and immunotherapies
Immunotherapies are drugs that harness your body's immune system to fight cancer. These treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized cancer care, helping people live longer.
However, in some patients, these therapies can trigger an autoimmune response similar to type 1 diabetes. Our doctors have expertise in diagnosing and managing all endocrine problems related to these emerging medications, including drug-induced diabetes.
Diabetes and obesity
Our specialists also offer care for diabetes complications that can result from obesity. We offer the latest medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar drugs, that can treat type 2 diabetes, help you lose weight and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. These treatments can also help improve other health concerns related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease and fatty liver.
We carefully select the right medications for your needs as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that also includes insulin therapy, lifestyle changes and self-care.
Diabetes and organ transplantation
After organ transplant surgery, immunosuppressant medications help prevent your immune system from rejecting the new organ. But these drugs can also affect insulin production and lead to diabetes.
People may develop post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) or have a higher risk of it. Expert endocrinologists and transplant surgeons at UCSF Health offer comprehensive care, providing close monitoring, medication management and recommendations for lifestyle adjustments.
An islet transplant transfers healthy insulin-producing cells (islet cells) from the pancreas of a donor into the liver of someone with type 1 diabetes. It may be an option for people who are experiencing complications or have diabetes that can't be effectively managed with other treatments.
UCSF Health is one of only a few programs in the U.S. to offer islet transplants for type 1 diabetes. This treatment provides a potentially long-lasting solution that can improve blood glucose levels and reduce or eliminate the need for insulin injections.
Diabetes education program
Leaders in amputation prevention
Providers
We're known for outstanding care
One of the nation’s best for diabetes care & endocrinology
Rated high-performing hospital for diabetes care
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2
- Gestational Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
Treatments
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Insulin Pump
- Insulin Therapy
Clinical trials
Inflammation, Diabetes, Ethnicity and Obesity CohortOpens in a new window
Number of biological samples collected.
Explore what we do
Amputation prevention center offers hope for tough casesOpens in a new window
For patients with diabetes who are at risk of losing limbs, our specialists in numerous fields draw on groundbreaking research to offer cutting-edge care.
Support services
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.