Bioidentical Hormones Expert says Diabetes Prevention Begins with Balance

DALLAS, TX ? November, 2010 - November is marked as American Diabetes Month - a national campaign organized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) aimed at increasing public awareness about diabetes prevention and control. Since 1987, death rates have increased by nearly 50 percent and researchers estimate that if current trends continue, one out of every three children born today will face diabetes in their future. BodyLogicMD bioidentical hormones expert and board certified endocrinologist, Lisa Gorn, D.O. claims the best defense against diabetes is a well-balanced lifestyle.

According to the ADA, 24 million U.S. children and adults currently suffer from the disease and an additional 57 million Americans are said to be at risk. The American lifestyle has led to a drastic increase in cases of type II diabetes and projected statistics released in a study by the Centers for Disease Control suggest that diabetes will affect roughly one in three Americans by the year 2050.

"Your chance of being diagnosed with diabetes is contingent upon several lifestyle factors, including diet, weight, stress and hormonal balance," shares Dr. Lisa Gorn, Medical Director of BodyLogicMD of Dallas. Her practice, like all of the practices within the BodyLogicMD network, focus on preventive health using natural bioidentical hormones integrated with customized fitness and nutrition programs. Dr. Gorn discussed how each of these risk factors could increase the likelihood of diabetes:

Diet - It's a given that we should limit our intake of foods that are high in simple sugars and carbohydrates, but at the same token, it's important to know what foods you should be eating to reduce your risk. Onions are among the most effective. All onion family members (garlic, leeks, onions, ramps and scallions) help to regulate blood sugar. Fenugreek, a popular spice throughout Asia and Europe helps regulate sugar levels of non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Additionally, in clinical tests, bitter melon inhibits glucose absorption, increases insulin flow and has insulin-like effects on the body. Bitter melon is also available in supplement form.

Weight - Individuals who are overweight are at much greater risk of developing diabetes than women and men who fall within a normal weight range. Obesity impairs the body's ability to properly control blood sugar using insulin and therefore makes it much more likely for you to develop diabetes. Statistics show that 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Experts believe that the increase in diabetes over the years shares a direct correlation with the growing obesity epidemic.

Stress - Cortisol is a primary stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. High levels of cortisol have been found to disrupt glucose metabolism. Decreased metabolism of glucose raises blood glucose levels, and elevated blood fat levels contribute to insulin resistance - a precursor to full-blown type II diabetes.

Hormonal Balance - Being that insulin is a hormone, other hormonal imbalances throughout the body can negatively affect insulin production. Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates glucose, or sugar intake, by helping it move from the blood into cells. When insulin production is compromised, the result is a hormonal imbalance. Diabetes is one of the more serious medical conditions associated with hormonal imbalance - if it is left undiagnosed and/or untreated, it can result in blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and death.

"I help my patients lead a healthy lifestyle with personalized nutrition and fitness regimens, in combination with bioidentical hormones and pharmaceutical-grade supplementation," says Dr. Gorn. "Not every prevention plan is the same. I find that individualized wellness programs are at the root my patient's success."

More about Dr. Gorn

Dr. Lisa Gorn received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Boston University in Boston, MA in 1992. Dr. Gorn attended Nova Southeastern University: College of Osteopathic Medicine where she received her doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine in 2002. In 2003, Dr. Gorn continued her education with her internship at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida where she also completed her residency in Internal Medicine in 2005. Lisa Gorn, D.O. completed her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Miami: Miller School of Medicine in 2008. Dr. Lisa Gorn is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. Dr. Gorn is an active member of the Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.

More about BodyLogicMD

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