Diabetes, hormones and heart disease

What do they have in common?

The link between diabetes and heart disease has long been well known (see “Double trouble"). To help tackle this growing health problem, Deborah Heart and Lung Center has joined forces with the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center to open an Affiliate on our Browns Mills campus.

Heading up the program as Medical Director of the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Deborah is Jenine Vecchio, M.D., FACE. In addition to her expertise in treating and managing diabetes, Dr. Vecchio also joins Deborah as its Director of Endocrinology, a medical specialty that focuses on hormones and the endocrine system.

As endocrinology director, Dr. Vecchio brings her vast experience in diagnosing and treating many of the most common endocrine problems, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and osteoporosis. She’s also well qualified for and experienced in handling endocrine emergencies.

"In many situations, people don't realize that what's making them feel ill is simply a hormone imbalance," says Dr. Vecchio. "For example, those with thyroid disease can have symptoms that are easy to dismiss. Women might start complaining of being tired and just chalk it up to being too busy. But they may actually have an underactive thyroid, which is easily managed with thyroid medication.

"This is just one example of where hormones can play a vital role in everyday health and well-being,"Dr. Vecchio adds. “Now that I'm at Deborah, I can play a key role in identifying and helping patients who have issues other than cardiac, pulmonary or vascular problems. Working with the team at Deborah, we can have a huge impact on many patients' lives."

To learn more about the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, call (609) 621-2075 or visit www.deborah.org.