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 with acquired metabolic disorders often are overweight or obese.

Obesity is not simply a nuisance of clothes that don’t fit; it’s a serious matter of personal and public health. Being obese or overweight increases a man’s risk of many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, infertility, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and more. Obesity is becoming much more widespread across the nation—to the point that it’s a critical national health issue. The most recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the NHANES study) found that nearly one-third of the adult population is overweight or medically obese. Among men, the prevalence of overweight/obesity among men increased to 31.1 percent in 2004.

Lake Forest Hospital offers one-on-one nutrition and weight management counseling to help men meet their 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 insulin or to use it properly. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for up to 95 percent of diabetics. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions in America, in large part due to the increased percentage of people who are overweight or obese. Older adults also are at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Among people with more advanced diabetes, including insulin-dependent Type 1, men have two times the risk of women of developing serious complications like diabetic retinopathy or amputation.

Lake Forest Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to helping people with Type 2 diabetes manage this chronic disorder. Endrocrinologists, nurse educators and registered dietitians all are part of our diabetes team. Weight management, healthier eating, exercise, and medication often can be effective tools for managing diabetes on a day-to-day basis. For additional information, please call (847) 535-6715.

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