In the USC University Hospital Diabetes Program, patients undergo a comprehensive history and physical examination to screen for risk factors associated with diabetes such as arterial hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, etc.

Since some patients may experience problems with their eyes without symptoms, a picture of the retina is taken to assess eye disease. The heart and nerves are evaluated to detect any neuropathy. Patients are also assessed by a nutritionist and diabetic nurse educator to determine the extent of their knowledge about the varied aspects of the disease. Once the patient assessment is complete, patients and their physicians are given guidelines for different treatment modalities.

Patients who remain with the USC University Hospital program for intensive insulin therapy are trained by diabetic educators and nutritionists. Also available is intensive insulin therapy with continuous insulin infusion (insulin pump therapy). In addition, the program offers special classes for persons with diabetes who are involved in different sports activities.

Of the estimated 15.7 million Americans with diabetes (90 percent of whom have Type II Adult Onset), 5.4 million do not even know they have the disease. While some are diagnosed during an annual examination, others go undetected for years until a related complication requires them to seek treatment. For this reason, a major objective of the USC University Hospital Diabetes Program is early detection.

Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases

At the USC Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, we believe in a patient-centered approach. We promote this concept through an integrated team approach for adolescents and adults with diabetes mellitus. Programs include multispecilaty medical services, diabetes education for self-management, support group for patients on intensive insulin therapy, and opportunity to participate in clinical trials. Our interdisciplinary team includes endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators (CDE), and specialty physicians.

Multispecialty Medical Services

Diabetes Treatment

• Intensive diabetes management for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Early diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes
• Prevention of type 2 diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Pre-conception care
• Diabetes and pregnancy management
• Insulin pump therapy

Other Medical/Surgical Services

• Obesity Treatment (medical, behavioral and surgical approach) for those 100 pounds or more overweight
• Foot Care Services
• Neurological evaluation and treatment
• Ophthalmology eye care
• Medical and surgical cardiovascular services
• Nephrology (kidney) services
• General Endocrinology
• Mental Health services
• General Internal Medicine
• Dermatology (skin care)

Research

The USC Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases is dedicated to advancing diabetes care by participating in clinical research aimed at improving the lives of people with diabetes. We welcome volunteers' participation as an important part of our clinical trials.

For more information about USC Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Services, or information regarding current clinical trials seeking volunteers, please call 1-888-700-5700.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition which affects approximately 16 million Americans. It is characterized by high blood sugar caused when the body is unable to produce or to properly use the hormone insulin needed to convert sugars, starches and other foods into energy. The major types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes, which was previously called insulin dependent diabetes, affects about 10% of people with diabetes and most often occurs in children and young adults. Individuals with type 1 diabetes make little or no insulin and must take daily injections to live.

• Type 2 Diabetes, which used to be referred to as non-insulin dependent or maturity onset diabetes is the most common form of the disease, and affects about 90% of individuals with diabetes. It used to occur only in adults 45 years old or older, but, in recent years, type 2 diabetes is also being diagnosed in children as young as 8 years old, especially in the Hispanic community. People with this type of diabetes make some insulin, but they are unable to use it properly to produce energy. This type of diabetes occurs more frequently in certain ethnic group such as Native American, Hispanic, African American and Asian American. The corner stone of the management of type 2 diabetes includes proper nutrition and physical activity. Treatment also involves oral diabetes medications and in some cases insulin injections.

• Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that is discovered or diagnosed during pregnancy, most commonly around the 24th to 28th week of gestation. It can be treated with nutrition therapy only or with the addition of insulin injections if needed to control the blood sugar level. GDM usually resolves after delivery. However, women with gestational diabetes are at risk to develop type 2 diabetes, and should be tested after delivery and periodically thereafter.

Who Gets Diabetes?

The causes of diabetes are not well known, but both heredity and environment appear to play a role in its development. The American Diabetes Association recommends that testing be done in individuals who:

• Are 45 years of age or older
• Are overweight
• Have diabetes in their family
• Are members of high risk ethnic population (Native American, Hispanic, African American, Asian)
• Had Gestational Diabetes or had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
• Have high blood pressure
• Have abnormal blood fat (cholesterol, triglyceride)
• Have a history of abnormal glucose test: impaired glucose tolerance , or Impaired Fasting Glucose(previously called Borderline Diabetes)
• Early detection and prevention of is recommended for individuals at risks for type 2 diabetes. Prevention may be achieved with proper nutrition and exercise.

What Are the Goals of Diabetes Management?

Diabetes management is a partnership between the healthcare team and the individual with the condition. Management goals should be set individually based on each person's health status and motivation to participate in his/her self-care. The general goals of diabetes management are to:

• Achieve and maintain the best possible blood sugar control
• Prevent acute complications
• Prevent/delay chronic complications
• Achieve/maintain the best possible quality of life

What Type of Diabetes Care Should Be Expected?

According to the standard of care developed by the American Diabetes Association the following key monitoring should be done regularly:

• Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) (average blood sugar over a 3 month period) quarterly or at least twice a year if meeting goals
• Dilated eye exam at least yearly
• Foot exam at regular diabetes related visits
• Lipid (blood fat) exam yearly
• Microalbumin test (to check kidney function) yearly
• Blood pressure at each regular diabetes visits
• Weight

Related Link:
American Diabetes Association