Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by persistent high glucose level in blood. The two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 diabetes (T1D, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes or IDDM) and type 2 diabetes (T2D, previously known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or NIDDM). Both are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. However, there are other forms of diabetes known as monogenic diabetes (MD) that are directly inherited.

All forms of diabetes have very serious effects on health. There are a number of long-term complications associated with the disease. These include cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, ocular, neurological and renal abnormalities, which are responsible for morbidity, disability and premature death in young adults. Furthermore, the disease is associated with reproductive complications causing problems for both mothers and their children. Although improved glycemic control may decrease the risk of developing these complications, diabetes remains a very significant cause of social, psychological and financial burdens in populations worldwide.

Genetics, along with environment and behavior, plays an important role in determining who can develop diabetes. The risks of developing T1D, an autoimmune disease, are greater when a parent also has the disease. This factor indicates a probable genetic factor. A single gene that is responsible for type 1 diabetes has not been identified. However, 19 sections of the human genome (complete genetic material) are believed to be involved.

T2D is the most common type of the disease and has the clearest association with genetic inheritance. Indeed, the genetic background of a patient with diabetes has a major impact in the onset of T2D. In fact, the offspring of a diabetic parent has a 40% chance of developing T2D, and this risk rises to 70% if both parents are affected. In the past two years alone 18 sections of the human genome associated wit T2D has been discovered.

Therefore, the genetics of diabetes is a field in constant development that not only will affect the prevention and diagnosis of diabetes, but also the treatment, since in patients with certain types of diabetes the treatment will depend for the most part on their genetics background.

To address this important issue, SimpleCare, has founded the Diabetes, Genetics and Endocrinology Institute (DIGEIN). This institute is focused in creating awareness of high-risk genetic factors associated with diabetes, conducting screenings for detection of people in risk and providing genetic counselling and information. In addition the Institute will provide extensive nutrition and weight maintenance programs in order to delay and/or avoid the development of type 2 diabetes in those people with high genetic predisposition.

Our aim at Essential Care Group is to ensure that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of undetected disease can do so through a range of assessment services.

Deluxe Diabetes Panel

The Deluxe Diabetes Panel is a comprehensive screening your blood for elevated blood sugar and associated conditions. This panel can be used to find out if you have Diabetes Mellitus or it can be used to monitor your diabetic condition if you already have this very common disease. Tests Included:

• Hemoglobin A1c
• Urinalysis
• TSH
• CBC w/ diff and platelet
• Lipid Panel
• Complete Metabolic Panel (14)

Special Notes:

No food for 8 to 12 hours prior to testing.

There are two main types of full-blown diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes are completely unable to produce insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells don’t respond to it. In either case, the glucose can’t move into the cells and blood glucose levels can become high. Over time, these high glucose levels can cause serious complications.

Some symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased need to urinate
• Unquenchable thirst
• Unexplained weight-loss
• Weakness and Fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in your hands, legs or feet
• Blurred vision
• Dry or itchy skin
• Frequent infections or cuts that take a long time to heal