In recent years, there have been great advances in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes and insulin resistance, improved technology for monitoring glucose levels, medical nutrition therapy, treatment regimens that include new oral agents and new insulins, and the detection and treatment of diabetic complications. Type-2 diabetes is no longer a "sugar problem," but an important component of the metabolic syndrome (hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia), and of the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes can no longer be managed in isolation. Patients with diabetes, require that particular attention be paid to hypertension, dyslipidemia, existing cardiovascular conditions, renal function, and antiplatelet therapy. Of course, the functional status, individual preferences, comorbidities, and overall prognosis should be taken into account when formulating the treatment and care plan for each patient.

This is all usually asymptomatic which is why it is important to have your blood pressure measured regularly. For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity. A combination of diagnostic tests, physical examination, and x-ray evidence confirms the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, visit the American College of Rehumatology at http://www.rheumatology.org

The various degree of force on the artery walls as the blood circulates through the body is what is referred to by doctors as blood pressure. There are millions of Americans who have blood pressure that is too high or hypertension. High blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and other serious health problems. There is usually no identifiable cause for hypertension, which is why the majority of cases go unchecked in the early stages.

Blood pressure rises when the arterioles, the body’s smallest arteries, narrow requiring the heart to beat more forcefully in order to pump the blood through them. This in turn creates a higher blood volume which raises the blood pressure.

Cholesterol can be both good and bad. It is important to learn what cholesterol is, how it affects your health and how to manage your blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol, particularly "the bad LDL", plays a major role in cardiovascular disease.

The Medical Group physicians provide each patient a guided plan to control levels. This will include complete lab analysis, diet recommendations, exercise and medications if necessary.

A healthy weight, diet and exercise can sometimes be successful at controlling high cholesterol; however, many patients require a step approach with medications such as statins. For more information, visit the American Heart Association at http://www.americanheart.org.