For many people living with diabetes, the condition can feel manageable, especially when it’s controlled through medication, diet and regular monitoring. But even when it’s not the reason for a hospital visit, diabetes has the potential to make everything more complicated.

“If someone comes in for surgery, a heart issue or an infection, and they also have diabetes, that changes how we approach their care,” says Michael Goldberg, MD, Section Chief of Endocrinology at Westchester Medical Center. “Research has shown that actively managing blood sugar during hospitalization leads to better outcomes, fewer complications, shorter stay and a smoother recovery.”

The Hidden Risks of High Blood Sugar

Diabetes is linked to a wide range of serious complications. Over time, persistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes and the liver. Dr. Goldberg points to conditions like:

• Heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death among people with diabetes
• Retinopathy, a major cause of blindness
• Nephropathy, which can progress to kidney failure
• Neuropathy, which affects sensation—especially in the feet—and can lead to infections or even limb loss
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a type of liver disease now recognized as the top cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.

“Even if patients feel fine, those complications can be brewing under the surface,” says Dr. Goldberg. “That’s why early, consistent diabetes management is so important.”

Why In-Hospital Diabetes Care Matters

At WMCHealth, clinicians have embraced a more integrated approach to inpatient diabetes care. “In the past, diabetes was often managed separately from the immediate reason for hospitalization,” Dr. Goldberg explains. “Now, we recognize that integrating blood sugar control into inpatient care is essential to reducing risk and supporting recovery.”

WMCHealth brings together a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and case managers, to monitor and manage blood glucose levels in real time. This is especially important for high-risk populations like older adults or those with kidney disease, who face a greater chance of dangerous low blood sugar episodes (hypoglycemia).

That collaborative effort recently earned Westchester Medical Center a national DNV certification in Advanced Glycemic Management, one of only three hospitals in the country to receive it.

A Shared Responsibility

For patients and their families, understanding the impact of diabetes, whether you’re in the hospital or not, is key. Dr. Goldberg stresses that medical treatment is only one part of the equation. “Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are just as important, if not more so, than medications,” he says.

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be a barrier to good health.

At WMCHealth, our comprehensive diabetes management programs are designed to provide tailored care close to home. Whether you’re managing diabetes on a daily basis or facing complications during a hospital stay, our multidisciplinary team is here to support you every step of the way. From personalized treatment plans to real-time blood glucose monitoring, we ensure that your care is integrated and effective.

Take control of your health today. Call 914.493.7000 to find the diabetes management services most convenient for you and start your journey towards better health.