What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar, also called glucose. There are two major types of diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes fail to make insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from blood into tissues where it is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, patients make some insulin, but not enough to overcome resistance to effects of the hormone in key organs such as muscle, liver and fat. Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2020, more

Someone once said “Time is funny stuff…you save it by spending it wisely.” Spend your time wisely by making sure your resolutions have purpose. The kind that offers you happiness, success, and fulfillment are going to be more realistic and obtainable for you. When thinking about changes to make for the New Year, focus on the behavior, rather than the outcome itself. Many people want to lose weight, but putting the effort into how to make that happen will have a better outcome. Resolutions should be actions that you are willing and able to change. Here are some ideas to help you make

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050. The most common reasons for limb loss include wound-healing issues related to diabetes, traumatic accidents and cancers. SIU Medicine has experienced board-certified physiatrists who can help people facing these health issues. These specialists can help you or your loved one avoid

Amputations are more common than you may think. The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. That number is projected to increase to more than 4 million by the year 2050. The most common reasons for limb loss include wound-healing issues related to diabetes, traumatic accidents and cancers. SIU Medicine has experienced board-certified physiatrists who can help people facing these health issues. These specialists can help you or your loved one avoid

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however

More than 17 million Americans ─ about 3 of every 20 U.S. adults ─ experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes depression one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is depression is treatable, and most people diagnosed with this condition see significant improvements in their mood, function and quality of life after receiving evidence-based treatments, which typically include psychotherapy and medications. For some individuals, however

Did you know 1 in 20 people in the United States develop hemorrhoids, and that roughly half of all people over the age of 50 have them? Despite being so common, many people are embarrassed to talk to their doctors about hemorrhoids, even though they are treatable. Indeed, hemorrhoids should be treated in some cases to alleviate symptoms and avoid rare but possible complications. SIU Medicine is home to a team of colon and rectal specialists who have access to the latest advances and research in gastrointestinal care. Our academic medicine facility bridges the gap between evidence-based

Did you know the practice of acupuncture dates back to as far as 100 BC? Originating in China, this traditional Eastern medicine is also used regularly in the West by holistic healthcare practitioners. Our very own integrative medicine specialist Dr. Leslie Smith, MD, LAc, and licensed acupuncturist, Corry Meyer, LAc, use acupuncture along with other holistic techniques like cupping, herbal medicine, dietary counseling, and moxibustion to help our SIU Medicine patients heal from the inside out. In fact, we have a full Chinese herbal pharmacy in the Family Medicine department to make sure that