Nearly eight million Americans are hospitalized each year due to diabetes-related complications. In California, approximately 3.5 million adults live with diagnosed diabetes, and over 230,000 new cases are identified annually. For hospitalized patients, diabetes increases the risk of medical errors, infections and other serious complications.

This year, The Leapfrog Group and the American Diabetes Association named Sutter’s Eden Medical Center and Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center among just 36 hospitals nationwide as Recognized Leaders in Caring for People Living with Diabetes.

For Eden Medical Center, this marks its first appearance on the list. Mills-Peninsula celebrates its second consecutive year receiving the designation — a testament to sustained excellence.

“Being designated as a Recognized Leader in Diabetes Care by Leapfrog and the ADA is a proud milestone for our hospital and community,” said Shannon Thomas, CEO of Eden Medical Center. “Our teams are dedicated to providing safe, compassionate and personalized care every day, to every person who walks through our doors.”

What Sets These Hospitals Apart

Eden Medical Center

At Eden, diabetes care is woven into every step of the patient journey through a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes safety, precision and compassion.

• Surgical care coordination: Anesthesia and perioperative teams are trained to monitor blood glucose levels before, during and after surgery to ensure tailored care for patients with diabetes.
• Daily oversight and coordination: A dedicated Blood Glucose Team tracks clinical order sets and reviews patient data hospital-wide. Diabetes educators and endocrinology staff monitor blood sugar levels daily to support timely interventions.
• Specialist-led inpatient care: An endocrinologist rounds on hospitalized patients and oversees Eden’s Diabetes Program. Diabetes Nurse Champions provide ongoing education to nursing staff, while pharmacists collaborate on daily medication management.

“Delivering safe, effective care that follows national guidelines begins with a strong team,” said Dr. Marcia Peck, medical director of endocrinology at Eden Medical Center and an endocrinologist with Sutter East Bay Physicians Medical Group. “From admission to discharge and beyond, our staff work together to support people living with diabetes. Their needs are especially critical during hospitalization, and it’s a privilege to be part of a team so committed to patient safety and well-being.”

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Teams across clinical care and hospital leadership at Mills-Peninsula are united in their commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with diabetes.

The hospital’s second consecutive year as a Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes reflects ongoing efforts to improve care — including updated education for patients and staff, revised surgical protocols for diabetic patients and order sets aligned with the latest ADA recommendations.

“I’m proud of what our diabetes team has accomplished to earn the Recognized Leader distinction again this year,” said Dr. Tyler Aguinaldo, medical director of inpatient diabetes at Mills-Peninsula, and department chair for diabetes and endocrinology at Palo Alto Medical Foundation – Mills Peninsula Division. “We’ve worked hard for many years to standardize and improve care for hospitalized patients with diabetes, and we’re continually refining our protocols to reduce complications and deliver the best possible outcomes.”

A Systemwide Commitment to Diabetes Care

Across Sutter Health, an estimated 30-40% of hospitalized patients are living with diabetes. In response, Sutter is advancing “metabolic wellness” through innovative care models, research and education. The goal: reduce impacts of diabetes and support people at every step to avoid complications and live healthy lives.

By the Numbers

• 85+ diabetes specialists systemwide
• 17 diabetes education centers supporting patients and families
• 110+ clinical studies conducted by Sutter researchers, leading to breakthroughs like the first insulin patch pump
• 15 hospital campuses recognized on the American Heart Association’s 2025 Get With the Guidelines® Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Sutter is also pioneering AI-powered digital health tools that use electronic health record data to deliver personalized lifestyle guidance — like having an “on demand” coach on your wrist or in your pocket. These tools help prevent type 2 diabetes and support long-term wellness with proactive, accessible and clinically distinct care.

While diabetes is a lifelong condition, it is manageable. Learn more about Sutter’s diabetes services: https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/diabetes.