UnityPoint Clinic - Endocrinology, Diabetes Care, Healthy Living Clinic
Information
Number of patients waiting reflects the current number of patients waiting to be seen. This number changes frequently and is not exact.
Endocrinology
UnityPoint Clinic Endocrinology in Cedar Rapids provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients diagnosed with diabetes, obesity, lipid/cholesterol abnormalities, metabolic bone disorders and other hormonal disorders of the thyroid, parathyroid, reproductive, adrenal or pituitary glands. The endocrinology team also offers medical weight loss assistance through the Healthy Living Clinic.
Appointments & Referrals
To see a specialist for any endocrinology concern, including bone disorders and diabetes management, call your primary care provider for a referral or message them in the MyUnityPoint patient portal. If you are a referring provider, please print and complete the referral form and fax it to the clinic using the number at the top of the form.
Bone Clinic
The Bone Clinic at UnityPoint Clinic – Endocrinology, Diabetes Center and Healthy Living Clinic treats patients with metabolic bone disorders, low bone mass, thinning bone tissue or people who are at risk for these conditions
The Bone Clinic works with each patient to develop an individualized plan, using a holistic approach. Treatment includes a bone density scan, nutrition coaching, exercise, lifestyle changes and fall prevention education, as well as supplements and medication as needed.
- Bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled pads that cushion bones and joints.
- Fibrous dysplasia – Scar-like tissue buildup on bones, which causes them to expand.
- Fractures
- Gout – Painful inflammation of joints caused by a buildup of excess uric acid.
- Osteoarthritis – Breakdown of joints over time.
- Osteogenesis imperfecta – Genetic bone disorder present at birth, which causes soft bones or bones that fracture easily.
- Osteoporosis – Loss of bone mass that weakens and increases risk of broken bones.
- Osteopenia – Low bone density, which can precede and develop into to osteoporosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – Chronic, often painful inflammation of joints.
- Scoliosis – Curvature of the spine.
Certain conditions can predispose you to bone problems. If you have one of the following, ask your primary care provider for a referral to the Bone Clinic.
- Celiac’s disease – Condition that causes gluten intolerance and limits absorption of nutrients such as calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis.
- Hyperparathyroidism/Hypoparathyroidism – Overproduction/underproduction of the parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels.
- Phosphorus deficiency – A risk factor that can lead to fragile bones and stiff joints.
- Vitamin D deficiency – Impacts the bone’s ability to absorb calcium, increasing risk of bone pain and fractures.
Diabetes Care
The UnityPoint Clinic Diabetes Care team in Cedar Rapids is committed to helping individuals with all types of diabetes live a better quality of life through education, coaching and support. Managing diabetes may be a challenge, but you don't have to do it alone.
Our Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) help people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to change behavior and successfully self-manage diabetes and its related conditions. CDEs are required to have a minimum of two years of experience educating people who have diabetes and must pass a rigorous examination.
Diabetes education is offered in group or individual classes, and focuses on seven self- care behaviors that are essential for improved health and greater quality of life.
The AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors are:
- Healthy eating
- Being active
- Monitoring
- Taking medication
- Problem solving
- Healthy coping
- Reducing risks
No referral is needed to work with a diabetes educator. Call the Diabetes Care team at (319) 298-2200 to make an appointment.
Healthy Living Clinic
At the Healthy Living Clinic, we evaluate and treat individuals struggling with weight-related issues. We focus on health, not just weight loss. We work with patients to find a healthy lifestyle that works for them long term to end the “diet mentality” and weight cycling. We help rid the guilt and pressure to be perfect – because humans are not perfect. Food and movement are meant to be enjoyed.
Our team provides care during and after a person’s journey. They closely monitor lab work to ensure participants are medically stable. They also adjust medications as necessary, including those for blood pressure and diabetes.
Weight Loss & Maintenance Programs
Those who have been on more than one diet know the biggest problem is keeping weight off. Our programs are designed to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight long-term. Our team of health professionals includes an endocrinologist, nurse practitioner, dietitian and health coach. They help participants learn to manage a healthy weight for life.
Our medically supervised programs provide the tools needed for long-term success. Patients consistently report that Healthy Living Clinic programs have done more than help them lose weight; they have changed their lives.
- Balanced Approach. Our programs focus on making conscious choices. Nothing is "forbidden" – it’s a matter of balance. We work with participants every step of the way toward their long-term health goals.
- Supportive Professionals. Our group coaching model holds participants accountable to themselves, their coach and the class. Participants learn and practice new, healthy behaviors in an environment of trust and understanding.
- Medically Supervised. Rapid weight loss is safe with a doctor’s oversight. Our providers review each participant’s medical history and monitor their progress, even if there’s no underlying health condition. For those who have Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension or other concerns, our providers work with patients’ primary care providers to closely monitor blood glucose, blood pressure and other vitals. Participants don’t have to have diabetes, or any other condition, to join a Healthy Living Clinic program.
The New You Program helps individuals develop the skills and strategies needed to reach or maintain a healthy weight and improve their habits for the long-term. The program entails a progressive series of weekly group sessions.
The New You Program includes:
- 20 weekly, one-hour group sessions for discussion and goal setting (meetings are mandatory)
- Opportunities to practice new skills
- Weekly individual check-ins
- Private weigh-ins
- Exercise classes
During the New You Program, participants follow a structured meal plan using Health One meal-replacement products, while learning new lifestyle patterns and accountability. Health One is a product of the scientific community. It has been used in clinical trials for over a decade and achieved excellent results. The products are unique in that they can be enjoyed in shake form as well as in baked goods.
This program provides the support, skills and tools needed for success while preparing for the eventual transition back to grocery-based food. Our philosophy is to get people "back in the kitchen for prevention," and our team of experts helps participants develop the skills needed to make permanent lifestyle changes.
2025 New You Program Sessions
| Start Date | Day | Time* | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 15 | Wed. | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | May 28 |
| Feb. 13 | Thurs. | Noon-1 p.m. | June 26 |
| Apr. 10 | Thurs. | 4-5 p.m. | Aug. 21 |
| June 18 | Wed. | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Oct. 29 |
| July 10 | Thurs. | Noon-1 p.m. | Nov. 20 |
| Sept. 4 | Thurs. | 4-5 p.m. | Feb. 5, 2026 |
Maximum class size is 12.
*Note all class times are preceded by a 30-minute weigh-in and opportunity for patients to meet with their coach.
Sign up for a free, 24/7 online information session for more detailed information and cost.
The New Directions Program provides the tools for long-term weight loss or maintenance. It is tailored to individuals who wish to develop a healthy relationship with food, without the use of meal-replacement products. Using grocery-based foods, our providers and dietitian develop meal plans for weight loss or to assist with maintaining weight, depending on each participant’s goal. Accommodations in meal plans are made for those who require a diabetic diet or have other needs, such as diets for celiac disease, high blood pressure or cancer. Nutrition coaching also touches on healthy snacks for weight loss and maintenance.
The New Directions Program includes:
- 10 bi-weekly group sessions over the course of five months (meetings are mandatory)
- Weekly individual check-ins
- Private weigh-ins
- Exercise classes
2025 New Directions Program Sessions
| Start Date | Day | Time* | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 18 | Tues. | 4-5 p.m. | July 1 |
| Apr. 8 | Tues. | Noon-1 p.m. | Aug. 19 |
| July 22 | Tues. | 4-5 p.m. | Dec. 2 |
| Sept. 9 | Tues. | Noon-1 p.m. | Jan. 20, 2026 |
*All class times are preceded by a 30-minute weigh-in and opportunity for patients to meet with their coach.
Sign up for a free, 24/7 online information session for more detailed information and cost.
Catalyst is a new, shorter-term, grocery-based program. It is particularly helpful for individuals who are considering or taking weight-loss medications/injections, including GLP-1s (known by brands such as Mounjaro, Ozemic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Wegovy, etc.). Through the Catalyst program, participants will learn skills and strategies to reach or maintain a healthy weight and sustain better nutrition and exercise habits.
The Catalyst program includes:
- An initial 1:1 orientation with a health coach
- 11 weekly group classes
- Private weigh-ins
- Exercise classes
The first Catalyst session begins Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, and will have a rolling schedule throughout the year. Classes are held at 4 p.m., with individual check-ins/weight checks starting at 3:30 p.m.
This ongoing support program is designed for those who have completed the New You, New Directions or Catalyst sessions. Next Steps helps maintain healthy weight long-term through coaching and exercise. Participants can join any time after completing one of the two other programs. Group or individual support options are available.
A Healthy Weight Can Mean Big Benefits
Losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle can be difficult and take commitment. Research shows those with a healthy weight or who maintain a significant weight loss report improvements in several areas of their lives. The Healthy Living Clinic has helped participants meet requirements for BMI surgery, better manage health conditions such as diabetes, improve overall physical health and maintain a healthy weight long term.
On average, participants experienced:
- 10-20% loss of body weight
- Lower A1C
- Decreased triglycerides
- Lower cholesterol
- Improved blood pressure
- Increased mobility and activity
- Reduction in medications
- More energy and self confidence
- Relief from chronic pain
- An overall happier and healthier lifestyle
When you partner with our team of experts at the Healthy Living Clinic, we can help you meet your health goals. Whether you’d like to lose weight or improve your nutritional habits, our team can help you do so safely and effectively, so your results last a lifetime.
Call (319) 298-2200 for more information about our programs or sign up for a free, 24/7 online information session to learn more.
Our Providers
Heather Hazelwood, ARNP
Diabetes, Endocrinology
Huyam Awadalla, MD
Endocrinology
Claire Harapat, ARNP
Endocrinology
Eleanor Lingo, ARNP
Endocrinology
Abby Crow, ARNP, CCD
Metabolic Bone Disease
Prasuna Rao Madhavaram, MD
Endocrinology
Services Offered
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