Las Vegas NowHepatitis-C Can Add Problems For Diabetics
Diabetic patients who have undergone procedures at the Endoscopy Center have special concerns. Diabetes by itself is already a risk factor for liver disease. So, some patients are worried that if they also contract hepatitis-C, they may be at higher risk for complications.
Henderson endocrinologist, Reid Litchfield has treated patients who not only have diabetes, but also a viral form of hepatitis, including types B and C.
"In many of those patients, the presence of the viral hepatitis and the liver disease associated with it makes the management of the diabetes a little more complicated," he said.
Diabetes can result in the accumulation of fat in the liver. And hepatitis-C only adds to the problem by increasing the inflammation. But drugs normally used to treat hepatitis, including Interferon, can be just as effective in someone with diabetes. Treating the hepatitis, however, may become first priority.
"We may have to pull them off their tablets and treat them with insulin, but it's a means to an end, of trying to eradicate their hepatitis and leave them with a healthy and functional liver," said Dr. Litchfield.
Dr. Litchfield says although the chances of contracting hepatitis-C from the Endoscopy Center are relatively low, he does encourage diabetic patients to be vigilant, considering the importance of early detection of hepatitis.
The stress of any serious illness can bring on full blown diabetes in someone who's borderline -- and that includes hepatitis.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
Dr. Francis Teng helps patients considered dangerously overweight to gain control over their bodies, health, life, and self-esteem. More>>
University of Southern Nevada College of Dental Medicine offers affordable, high quality othodontic care for children, adolescents and adults. More>>
Mountain Podiatry is your premier podiatry service in the Las Vegas area. Your feet are in good hands with the knowledgeable and experienced staff under the watchful eye of Dr. Jodi S. Politz. More>>
This is where it begins: Hope, a reenergized inner spirit, youthful vitality with a stronger, fit body and an amazing journey into one of the most progressive medical specialties of the 21st century-age management medicine. More>>
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas provides state-of-the-art fertility services to couples who are longing to become parents. More>>
