The Anna and Max Webb & Family Diabetes Outpatient Treatment and Education Center at Cedars-Sinai has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association with a citation for excellence and special note of Cedars-Sinai's ongoing commitment to high quality healthcare for diabetic patients.
An estimated 20 million people in the United States have diabetes, or nearly seven percent of the total population. Known as a silent killer, 5 million people are unaware that they are affected. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the subject of research projects and clinical trials nationwide.
Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce or correctly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that changes sugar, starches and other food into energy. When controls break down and the level of insulin in the body rises too high, the patient becomes diabetic. Related health problems can be severe, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation, heart disease and stroke.
While the exact cause of diabetes is not yet known, Americans' inactive lifestyle and regular diet of fats, salt and sugar account for a large portion of the worrisome rise in the number of diabetic patients. Persons at risk also include those over age 45, overweight individuals and certain ethnic groups (African American, Latino and Native American).
There are two types of diabetes:
Previously known as juvenile onset diabetes, this type occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. The body's own immune system may attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most often seen in children and young adults, Type-1 diabetes is treated with daily insulin injections and careful meal planning. Regular exercise is also important in controlling the disease.
Almost at the epidemic stage, type 2 accounts for more than 90% of all cases. In this adult disorder, the body becomes unable to make enough insulin or to use it properly. Treatment involves medications (insulin and other drugs), careful eating and exercise.
During pregnancy, some women experience gestational diabetes. Pregnancy hormones tend to make the body resist insulin. This type of diabetes usually goes away soon after the baby is born. Later in life, women who experience gestational diabetes may become diabetic.
Because diabetes can cause damage to vital functions and organs of the body, our expert team is made up of, not only endocrinologists, but also specialists from related areas of medicine. Assisted by nurse educators, dietitians and other knowledgeable professionals, doctors consult as a team to develop a customized treatment plan for each individual patient.
Fully aware that diabetes is a life-changing disease, our staff provides support to patients in myriad ways to help them effectively manage the disease. For information, call the Anna and Max Webb and Family Diabetes Outpatient Treatment and Education Center at (310) 423-3870.
We believe that education is the most basic tool of diabetes care. It means knowing how to take care of your diabetes. With the skills and knowledge you gain from diabetes education, you can lead a healthy and active life. Without the knowledge, diabetes can be frustrating and difficult to live with. Through our education program we aim to empower patients to manage their own diabetes.
Cedars-Sinai is one of the few medical centers in the greater Los Angeles area to have an inpatient diabetes unit.
Should patients require hospitalization during diagnosis, testing or treatment, they receive care from our experienced doctors and a staff of nurses who have been especially trained in diabetes management. Cedars-Sinai is a recipient of the national magnet Hospital Recognition Award for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialling Center. The Magnet Accreditation recognizes Cedars-Sinai as one of the top nursing services in the United States, with the most qualified nursing personnel.
In addition, full-time nurse educators are on staff to work with diabetic inpatients who are undergoing treatment in other areas of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
