Diabetes Overview
The two major forms of diabetes are type 1, previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, and type 2, previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90 of 95 percent of cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates how the body converts sugar (glucose) into energy.
Diabetes is a dangerous disease, if uncontrolled. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes share one central feature: elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels due to absolute or relative insufficiencies of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a key regulator of the body's metabolism.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you may have had the disease since childhood. Type 1 diabetes can damage the kidneys and pancreas. Patients who have this damage may need to consider a kidney transplant. Learn more about kidney transplants at Georgetown University Hospital by visiting The Kidney Center and Pancreas Transplant Program.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Acute and chronic inflammation of the pancreas is a serious condition requiring appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, pancreatitis can cause permanent tissue damage resulting in complex medical problems and can potentially become life threatening. Georgetown’s highly experienced specialists will evaluate your pancreatitis and discuss appropriate treatments with you.
Treatment at Georgetown for Chronic Pancreatitis
The pancreatic disease program at Georgetown takes an aggressive, multidisciplinary approach toward both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Our team of experts offers the most advanced diagnostic, medical and surgical options available, including:
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP (An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure X-rays the ducts) to evaluate, diagnose and treat biliary and pancreatic disease
- Endoscopic and surgical management of pancreatic cysts
- Pancreatic pseudocyst drainage using EUS guided technique
- ERCP for stent placement, bile drainage and removal of common bile duct stones
- ERCP with sphincter of Oddi manometry to identify Sphincter of Oddi (SOD) causes
- Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy to evaluate pancreas and bile ducts
- Gallstone removal using ERCP, cholecystectomy, minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy or intra-operative common bile duct exploration
- Bypass surgery to relieve obstruction or provide drainage
- Pancreatic debridement
- Pain management
- Surgery, including:
Make an appointment at The Georgetown Transplant Institute by calling 202-444-3700. You can also make an appointment online, or request more information.
