Type 2 Diabetes Management in the Charleston Area
Diabetes management for adults in the Charleston area, in person at our West Ashley office and by telehealth.
Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which blood glucose levels remain persistently elevated due to insulin resistance and progressive loss of pancreatic function. South Carolina's diabetes prevalence is among the highest in the nation, and Charleston County reflects that burden. Prediabetes — an HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% — affects millions of adults who can prevent or delay diabetes progression with appropriate intervention.
Uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, and vision loss. Consistent primary care for HbA1c monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle support is the foundation of diabetes management.
Diabetes Management at Hope Integrative Medicine
Your initial evaluation includes a review of your diabetes history, current medications, most recent HbA1c and metabolic labs, and cardiovascular risk factors. We order labs if recent results are not available and develop a management plan at your first visit. Follow-up appointments monitor HbA1c trends, adjust medications, and address diabetes-related complications early.
We manage metformin and other oral diabetes medications, as well as GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy) and SGLT2 inhibitors for appropriate candidates. We coordinate with endocrinology when specialty referral is needed and with ophthalmology and nephrology for complication monitoring.
Our lifestyle medicine and wellness services complement diabetes management directly — nutritional guidance, weight management, and exercise support are integrated alongside medication management for patients who want a comprehensive approach.
Diabetes and Mental Health
Depression occurs at twice the rate in people with diabetes compared to the general population, and poorly managed depression significantly worsens glycemic control. Hope Integrative Medicine's integrated model — primary care and mental health in one practice — is particularly valuable for diabetic patients managing co-occurring depression, anxiety, or emotional eating patterns.
Prescriptions and Safety
Telehealth visits are evaluation and management visits. A prescription can be part of your treatment when your provider, using professional judgment and deciding together with you after weighing the risks and benefits, finds it medically necessary. Whether you are seen in person in West Ashley or by telehealth, prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, a severe allergic reaction, or severe abdominal pain.
Care in Your City
- Diabetes management in Charleston
- Diabetes management in Daniel Island
- Diabetes management in Goose Creek
- Diabetes management in Hanahan
- Diabetes management in James Island
- Diabetes management in Johns Island
- Diabetes management in Ladson
- Diabetes management in Moncks Corner
- Diabetes management in Mount Pleasant
- Diabetes management in North Charleston
- Diabetes management in Summerville
- Diabetes management in West Ashley
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. HbA1c and metabolic labs can be ordered to a local laboratory and reviewed at a telehealth visit. Medication management, lifestyle counseling, and routine follow-up all work well via telehealth. We offer in-person visits at our West Ashley office when preferred or when a physical examination is clinically indicated.
Yes, for appropriate candidates. GLP-1 receptor agonists are evidence-based medications for type 2 diabetes management with demonstrated cardiovascular and weight benefits. Candidacy depends on your diabetes history, HbA1c, cardiovascular risk, and insurance coverage. We discuss options at your evaluation.
Yes. Prediabetes intervention — lifestyle modification, weight management, and in some cases medication — has strong evidence for preventing or delaying progression to type 2 diabetes. Our lifestyle medicine services complement prediabetes management directly.
Yes. For patients with complex diabetes requiring insulin management, frequent hypoglycemia, or significant complications, we coordinate with endocrinology. For the majority of straightforward type 2 diabetes patients, primary care management is entirely appropriate and often more accessible.
Yes. Depression and diabetes co-occur at high rates and each worsens the other. Hope Integrative Medicine's integrated model means your primary care and psychiatric providers share one chart — your diabetes management and mental health care are coordinated rather than siloed.
Insurance We Accept
Commercial, ACA & Medicare
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
- Curative
- Centene (Ambetter / Wellcare)
- Humana
- Molina
- Medicare
South Carolina Medicaid
We accept all SC Medicaid managed care plans except Select Health (First Choice).
- Absolute Total Care (Centene)
- BlueChoice HealthPlan (Healthy Blue)
- Humana Healthy Horizons in SC
- Molina Healthcare of SC
- WellCare of SC
- Meridian Health Plan of SC
Self-pay rates are also available.