Diabetes/Obesity (Metabolic Disorders)

A metabolic disorder is a medical disorder that affects the production of energy within individual cells. The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities and an increased risk for clotting. Most metabolic disorders are genetic, though a few are "acquired" as a result of diet, toxins and infections. Patients are most often overweight or obese.

Obesity is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the body’s fatty tissue, is increased to a point where it is associated with certain health conditions as well as increased mortality. Although obesity is an individual clinical condition, it is increasingly viewed as a serious and growing public health problem. Excessive body weight has been shown to predispose people to various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis, to name a few.

Lake Forest Hospital offers one-on-one nutrition and weight management counseling to help you meet your health goals and better manage medical conditions. Services are offered Monday through Friday; hours vary. For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please call (847) 535-6176.

One of the most commonly known metabolic disorders is diabetes mellitus type 2, a disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease, accounting for up to 95 percent of diabetics. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions in America, due to an increased number of seniors, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.