Patient Care

The Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism provides comprehensive general treatment for adults of all ages for health issues related to the endocrine system, diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

Our physicians are known as endocrinologists. Our primary focus is on diabetes, diabetes prevention, and related metabolic syndrome abnormalities such as lipid disorders and high blood pressure. We also treat other disorders of the endocrine system, such as thyroid disease, osteoporosis, pituitary dysfunction, adrenal disorders, sexual dysfunction, hirsutism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and calcium disorders.

We offer comprehensive care and preventative health programs that include advice on nutrition, diet and exercise regimens as well as medication and surgical remedies when indicated.

Doctors Appointments

Our clinical facilities are hosted by Banner – University Medical Center (UMC) Tucson campus. See section below (where we practice) to learn how to schedule an appointment. 

Education

Online Resources

The American Diabetes Association has lots of information to help you get started staying healthy with diabetes.

Check out this site:   https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/newly-diagnosed 

 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our face-to-face classes are now HOLD. Check back to see when they will restart. If you would like to be added to our mailing list,  email us at tucsondiabetes@bannerhealth.com

Diabetes Prevention Program

Flyer for Diabetes Prevention Program at Banner - University Medical Center Tucson

Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes? Do you have family members who have diabetes? Join our nationally-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program to help prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes! Our program Is now on line! It has been proven to help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by helping people achieve 5-10% weight loss and increasing their movement. Our lifestyle coach will help you become healthier and keep you motivated. Learn more about the program, Email us at charles.palm@bannerhealth.com.


REGISTER for our next weekly sessions. Check out our Diabetes Prevention Program  
diabetes_prevention_program.pdf 
Flyer: Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes? – Tuesdays 12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
– Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our next classes will be ONLINE! We can help almost any interested person take part in this proven and effective GROUP program online. Call us for details.

See if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking this risk-test!

Diabetes and Pre-diabetes Resources

Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

Logo for Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) Industry Allies Council This webpage is part of a professional association dedicated to improving prediabetes, diabetes and related health and wellness. Using their Tools and Resources page, you will find “Quick Guides” on topics like managing your diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar, coping with high and low blood sugar, injecting insulin, and sick days.

ADA: American Diabetes Association

Logo for American Diabetes Association - with motto "Connected for Life" This webpage includes resources for people with diabetes, their families and caregivers, medical professionals, and ADA staff. Below are the links under “I’m looking for information about:”

Learning About Diabetes Resource Sheets

Learning About Diabetes, Inc., is a non-profit that provides easy-to-understand diabetes care information in different languages. They use art and design creatively to make some of our favorite resources. Go to the Consumer Programs  page to find out more about diabetes, healthy eating, and preventing problems associated with diabetes. 

 

Where We Practice

To make appointments and leave messages for
Banner – UMC Tucson providers 
call: (520) 694-8888

 

Banner – University Medicine North 
Adult Health Physician Offices | Endocrinology Clinics
3838 N. Campbell Ave., Bldg. #2, Clinic 
Tucson, AZ 85719

Phone: (520) 694-8888
Fax: (520) 874-2251
Hours: Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Providers:

  • Merri Pendergrass, MD, PhD
  • Sara Penquite, MD
  • Casey Rendon, MD
  • Ramiro Cardenas Lara, MD
  • Eileen Mantalvan Fernandez, MD
  • Cem Dikengil, MD
  • Valerie Martinez Vargas, MD
  • Saqib Shami, MD
  • Kevin Woodhams, DO

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Tucson VA Medical Center 
3601 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85723
(520) 792-1450
http://www.tucson.va.gov

Providers:

  • Stephanie Giffin, DO

Learn more about our diabetes research study

How to Schedule an Appointment

In addition to the above information, you can also request an appointment online here. Or, if you already are a patient with us, you can log-in to the MyBanner Patient Portal to schedule or request an appointment. Questions? Call (520) 694-8888 or, if your question relates to our clinic in Sierra Vista, Ariz., call (520) 458-2000.

Learn more at Banner – University Medical Center

How to Make a Referral

If you’re a health-care provider and want to make a patient referral with one of our physicians, please contact Physician Resources at (520) 694-5868 or toll-free 1-800-524-5928. You can also visit the Information for Physicians webpage and click on "Physician Referral."

Learn more at Banner – University Medical Center

Click Here for Endocrinology Services at Banner Health