Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that means your body does not make enough insulin. Or it means that your body is not able to use the insulin it makes. Your body needs the hormone insulin to change blood sugar (glucose) into energy. Without insulin, too much glucose collects in your blood. Diabetes may also be a result of other conditions. These include genetic syndromes, chemicals, medicines, pancreatitis, infections, and viruses.

Diabetes can be 1 of 3 types: type 1, type 2, or gestational. All 3 are metabolic disorders that affect the way the body uses (metabolizes) food to make glucose. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot make enough insulin or is not able to use it properly. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet, exercise and weight loss, or may need oral medicines or insulin injections.

Take a Free Risk Assessment

See if you are at risk for diabetes. Take our free diabetes risk assessment and share your results with your health care provider. 

Endocrinology

Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by restoring the body to its proper state. Some of the more common diseases and disorders that endocrinologists treat include diabetes, menopause and thyroid disorders. 

Endocrinologist Dr. Wonil Tae, joined the medical staff of OSF Saint Anthony's Physician Group in July 2016. With advanced training in endocrinology, Dr. Tae is the Alton area's only full-time Endocrinologist.

Dr. Tae is accepting new patient appointments at his office located at OSF Saint Anthony's Medical Office Building, #2 Saint Anthony's Way, Suite 305, Alton.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tae, please call (618) 462-2222.

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