TL;DR
Dr. Jedidiah Oldham, DO manages type 2 diabetes and prediabetes at 972 N 600 E in Spanish Fork. Care includes A1c testing every three months, medication management (metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, insulin), dietary counseling, and complication screening for eyes, kidneys, and feet. Dr. Oldham targets an A1c below 7% for most patients and adjusts the plan at every visit based on home glucose data. Call (385) 265-6060 to schedule.
What Is Diabetes and How Common Is It?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 1) or can’t use insulin effectively (type 2), resulting in elevated blood glucose that damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes over time. The CDC estimates that 38.4 million Americans have diabetes and another 97.6 million have prediabetes, making it one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the country. Dr. Oldham manages type 2 diabetes and prediabetes at the Spanish Fork office as part of a continuous primary care relationship that also covers blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and the annual screenings diabetes requires. Managing all of these in the same visit and same chart prevents the fragmented care that develops when a patient sees one provider for diabetes, another for blood pressure, and a third for kidney monitoring.
Dr. Oldham orders A1c testing as part of routine annual physicals for adults with risk factors (BMI over 25, family history, history of gestational diabetes, age over 45), catching prediabetes at the stage where lifestyle changes alone can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
How Does Dr. Oldham Diagnose Diabetes?
Dr. Oldham diagnoses diabetes using hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, or a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test, following the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care. An A1c of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms diabetes. An A1c of 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes. A fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher also meets the diagnostic threshold. Dr. Oldham typically uses A1c as the primary screening tool because it doesn’t require fasting and reflects average glucose over three months. When the A1c is borderline (6.0-6.4%), Dr. Oldham orders a fasting glucose and reviews the patient’s risk profile before labeling the diagnosis, because clinical context determines whether aggressive intervention or watchful monitoring is the better path.
For gestational diabetes screening during prenatal care, Dr. Oldham orders a one-hour glucose challenge test at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, followed by a three-hour glucose tolerance test if the screening result is elevated.
What Medications Does Dr. Oldham Use to Manage Diabetes?
Dr. Oldham follows ADA stepwise guidelines for diabetes pharmacotherapy, starting with metformin as first-line treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin lowers A1c by 1.0-1.5%, costs $4 to $10 per month as a generic, and has a 60-year safety record. When metformin alone doesn’t bring A1c below the 7% target, Dr. Oldham adds a second agent chosen based on the patient’s cardiovascular risk, kidney function, weight, and insurance formulary. SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) reduce A1c and provide cardiovascular and kidney protection. GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide) reduce A1c by 1.0-1.8% and produce significant weight loss, making them a strong choice for patients with obesity and diabetes. Insulin is added when oral and injectable medications don’t achieve goal, and Dr. Oldham teaches injection technique and dosing in the office.
Dr. Oldham has found that Spanish Fork patients respond best when the medication conversation starts with cost and daily burden, not just A1c reduction. A medication that a patient can afford and will actually take every day produces better results than a theoretically superior drug that sits unused because of a $300 monthly copay.
What Lifestyle Changes Does Dr. Oldham Recommend for Diabetes?
Dr. Oldham builds every diabetes plan around three lifestyle pillars: dietary modification, physical activity, and weight management. The ADA recommends a reduced-calorie eating pattern emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, with carbohydrate counting or plate-method portioning as practical tools. Dr. Oldham teaches the plate method at the first diabetes visit (half the plate non-starchy vegetables, a quarter lean protein, a quarter whole grains or starchy food) because it doesn’t require counting and works at every meal. Physical activity targets 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise per CDC guidelines, plus two sessions of resistance training. Weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can reduce A1c by 0.5-1.0% independent of medication, which is why Dr. Oldham addresses weight management at every diabetes visit.
Home glucose logs are reviewed at each visit, looking for patterns (fasting highs, post-meal spikes, nocturnal lows) that direct specific dietary changes. A patient whose fasting glucose runs 140-160 mg/dL gets different advice than one whose numbers spike to 250 mg/dL after dinner. That pattern-based approach produces targeted adjustments instead of generic dietary handouts.
What Complications Does Dr. Oldham Screen for in Diabetes Patients?
Dr. Oldham follows ADA screening schedules for the five major diabetes complications: diabetic retinopathy (annual dilated eye exam referral to ophthalmology), diabetic nephropathy (annual urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated GFR), diabetic neuropathy (annual monofilament foot exam in the office), cardiovascular disease (blood pressure and lipid management at every visit), and periodontal disease (dental referral annually). These screenings happen on a predictable annual calendar that Dr. Oldham tracks in the chart and reminds patients about at each visit. Catching diabetic kidney disease at the microalbuminuria stage allows treatment with an ACE inhibitor or ARB that slows progression by 30-50%, while waiting until the creatinine is elevated means irreversible damage has already occurred.
The foot exam happens at every diabetes visit, not just annually, because diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease can progress between scheduled screenings. A 10-gram monofilament test takes 60 seconds and catches sensation loss before a patient develops an ulcer that leads to infection or amputation.
How Often Does Dr. Oldham See Diabetes Patients for Follow-Up?
Dr. Oldham schedules diabetes follow-up visits every three months for patients whose A1c is above target or whose medications are being adjusted, and every three to six months for patients at goal with stable regimens. Each visit includes an A1c draw (point-of-care or lab), blood pressure check, weight, review of home glucose logs, medication adherence discussion, and any indicated foot or kidney screening. The three-month cadence aligns with the A1c measurement window (A1c reflects average glucose over 90 days), so every visit produces a new data point that Dr. Oldham uses to adjust the plan. Between visits, patients can reach the office by phone for urgent glucose concerns (persistent readings over 300 mg/dL, symptomatic hypoglycemia).
Dr. Jedidiah Oldham, DO treats diabetes as a moving target, not a static diagnosis. Each visit re-evaluates whether the medication, diet, and exercise plan is producing the expected A1c trajectory, and adjustments are made in real time instead of waiting for an annual review.
Can Prediabetes Be Reversed?
Prediabetes (A1c 5.7-6.4%) can be reversed to normal glucose levels with lifestyle changes, and the evidence is strong. The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program trial showed that structured lifestyle intervention (7% body weight loss plus 150 minutes per week of exercise) reduced the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes by 58%, compared to 31% for metformin alone. Dr. Oldham gives prediabetes patients a 90-day lifestyle plan with specific dietary targets, an exercise prescription, and a repeat A1c at three months to measure progress. If the A1c improves, the plan continues. If it doesn’t, Dr. Oldham considers adding metformin, which the AAFP recommends for prediabetes patients who are under 60, have a BMI over 35, or have a history of gestational diabetes.
Dr. Oldham identifies prediabetes frequently in Spanish Fork adults in their 30s and 40s during routine annual physicals. At that age, the window to reverse course through lifestyle changes is wide open, and Dr. Oldham treats prediabetes as an urgent but solvable problem instead of an inevitable progression toward diabetes.
Does Insurance Cover Diabetes Management?
Diabetes management visits, A1c testing, and complication screenings are covered by the 30+ insurance plans Dr. Oldham accepts at the Spanish Fork office. A1c tests are covered as diagnostic labs. Annual eye exams and kidney function tests are covered as diabetes-related preventive care. Metformin costs $4 to $10 per month as a generic. Newer agents (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists) vary by plan formulary; brand-name semaglutide can exceed $1,000 per month without insurance but is often covered with prior authorization for patients meeting clinical criteria. Dr. Oldham’s office handles prior authorizations and appeals when a formulary-preferred alternative doesn’t exist, and factors medication cost into every prescribing decision.
How Do I Schedule a Diabetes Visit With Dr. Oldham?
Schedule a diabetes visit
New and existing patients can book by phone or online. Bring your home glucose log and current medication list. Most visits are scheduled within one week.
Call (385) 265-6060 Book online
972 N 600 E, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Management
What is a good A1c target?
The ADA recommends an A1c below 7% for most adults with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Oldham individualizes the target: younger patients without complications may aim for below 6.5%, while older patients with multiple conditions may have a relaxed target of below 8%.
How often should I check my blood sugar at home?
Dr. Oldham sets a testing schedule based on your medication regimen. Patients on insulin typically check 2-4 times daily. Patients on oral medications may check fasting glucose daily and post-meal values 2-3 times per week.
Can type 2 diabetes go into remission?
Yes, particularly in early-stage disease. Sustained weight loss of 10-15% through diet and exercise can bring A1c below 6.5% without medication. Dr. Oldham monitors A1c every three months to confirm and maintain remission.
Does Dr. Oldham manage insulin therapy?
Yes. Dr. Oldham initiates and adjusts basal and mealtime insulin in the office, teaches injection technique, and monitors for hypoglycemia. Insulin management stays inside primary care unless the case requires endocrinology referral.
Does Dr. Oldham manage gestational diabetes?
Yes. Dr. Oldham screens for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and manages it with dietary modification, glucose monitoring, and insulin when needed, all as part of high-risk prenatal care.
Medical disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Individual diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made between a patient and their physician.
Content accuracy: Clinical guidance follows ADA Standards of Care, AAFP, and CDC recommendations current as of April 2026.