Author: Katy Farr

Dr Kajal Shah portrail
Kajal Shah, MD is leaving 7/25/25
Posted on by Katy Farr

Dear patients,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to share some personal news that comes with mixed emotions: I will be leaving Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, P.A. as of July 25, 2025, and will no longer be practicing at this location.

Caring for you and being a part of your healthcare journey has been a true privilege. I am incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Though I am moving on to a new chapter in my professional and personal life, I want to reassure you that you will remain in good hands.  My colleagues here at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, P.A., will continue to provide the high-quality, compassionate care that you deserve and ensure a seamless transition in your health journey.

I have decided to join Baylor Scott and White Clinic at 120 Ed Schmidt Blvd, Hutto, TX 78634, starting this October 2025. This decision has not come easy, but it seems like the right move for me and my family. While I am excited for this new opportunity, please know that this message is not intended to solicit or encourage a change in your care.

Your medical records will remain with Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A. If you require a copy of your records or need them transferred, you may contact the office at (512) 458-8400, option 5 or email medicalrecords@texasdiabetes.com. We will be happy to assist you in that process.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your physician. I will carry the experiences and relationships from this chapter with me always, and I wish you continued health, happiness, and peace.

Warm regards, Kajal Shah, MD

Dr. Rachel Thibodeaux
Posted on by Katy Farr

Dr. Rachel Thibodeaux, D.O. has announced her departure from Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A. effective  September 1, 2023. Because of this, she is no longer taking new patients. Dr. Thibodeaux will greatly miss her patients and the relationships that she has forged during her time at TDE. 

Her number one priority in this transition is for patients to continue to receive excellent personalized medical care, and she is confident that all of her patients will be in exceptional hands with the Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A.

Dr. Thibodeaux’s patients’ medical records will remain with Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A. If you require a copy of your records, you may contact the office at (512) 458-8400, option 5 or email medicalrecords@texasdiabetes.com.

Dr. Thibodeaux wishes all her patients continued good health and happiness.

easy school lunch
Healthy School Lunches for Busy Parents
Posted on by Katy Farr
easy school lunch

School routines are back in motion, making what our children eat even more important for their energy and performance. Sadly, there’s a childhood obesity epidemic taking place in our country. Nearly 15 million children and adolescents are considered obese. This means that our kids now have chronic conditions that were once exclusive to adults, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea.

Texas Diabetes NextStepMD health coach, Heather Andrews works with clients and says parents can play a huge role in lowering these statistics by packing nutritious lunches and snacks that contain protein, fruits and vegetables. This will help your students stay focused and energized throughout the school day.

Heather says to avoid foods high in preservatives or additives. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research shows some food additives may impact a child’s hormones, growth, development and raise the risk of obesity.

Here are some easy meal ideas and recipes that Heather recommends for lunches, as well as dinner suggestions for busy parents:
 
Step 1: Pick a protein & starch
(Peanut butter & jelly sandwich, cheese quesadilla, turkey or ham sandwich, chicken & rice, pasta & chicken or turkey)
 
Step 2: Pick a fruit
(Apple, blueberries, strawberries, halo oranges, grapes)
 
Step 3: Pick a veggie
(Carrots, celery, snap peas, cucumbers, dill pickles, lettuce & tomatoes & matchstick carrots)
 
Step 4: Pick a snack
(Yogurt, string cheese, cubed cheese, granola bar)

Recipe Ideas:

  • Hummus Dippers: Pita Bread (cut into triangles, Hummus, celery sticks & baby carrots)
  • BBQ Chicken Dippers: Diced grilled chicken & BBQ sauce
  • Berry Yogurt Parfait: Vanilla Yogurt, Graham Crackers, Strawberries & Blueberries

For dinners:

  • Easy Chicken Fajitas
  • Italian Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
  • One Pot Fajita Pasta
  • For more information about our NextStepMD weight loss program and healthy, nutritious recipes, click here.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our latest updates.easy school lunch easy school lunch

Understanding Low Testosterone and How It Affects Men’s Health
Posted on by Katy Farr

What Causes Low Testosterone?

The testosterone hormone is secreted by the testes, which means it’s a part of the endocrine system. If a man is diagnosed with hypogonadism, it means they’re experiencing a blend of low testosterone along with a potential for a number of other bothersome symptoms.

Men with low testosterone are more likely to later develop diabetes. Testosterone helps the body’s tissues take up more blood sugar in response to insulin. Men with low testosterone more often have insulin resistance: they need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. Studies show that around 30-50% of men with Type 2 Diabetes have low testosterone.

Additionally, obesity and low testosterone have a close association with each other. Obese men are more likely to have low testosterone. And males with very low testosterone are also more likely to become obese.

Fat cells metabolize testosterone to estrogen and lower their levels. Also, obesity reduces levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood. Less SHBG translates to less free testosterone.

Losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise can increase testosterone levels. 

At the age of 40, men’s testosterone levels start to decline by around 1% with every passing year. Testosterone levels can be checked with the help of simple blood tests. The key is doing these tests consistently.

Treating Low Testosterone

One of the primary ways to combat low testosterone is through testosterone replacement therapy. This can help men improve their sex drive, muscle mass, bone health, and even their red blood cell count. If other health complications are causing low testosterone, it’s advised to focus on those before pursuing replacement therapy.  

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, we provide the following treatments for low testosterone:

  • Skin patches
  • Gels
  • Injections
  • Nasal spray

For more information about treatments for low testosterone, contact us here. And don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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