Can You Reverse Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease (MASLD)?

Posted on October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 by Leslie Branon

October is Liver Awareness Month, a prime time to learn about one of the most common and reversible liver conditions: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While many people assume liver disease is tied to alcohol use, MASLD affects individuals regardless of alcohol habits. In fact, recent studies link sugary soda consumption to worse fatty liver outcomes and even liver cancer risk, making this condition increasingly relevant in today’s dietary landscape.

What Is MASLD and Why It Matters

MASLD affects up to 25% of adults and occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells in people who drink little to no alcohol. It’s often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. While early stages tend to be silent (without symptoms), untreated MASLD can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, and sometimes cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Because the disease is gradual and asymptomatic at first, many people don’t realize they have MASLD until more serious damage has already occurred.

Sugary Sodas, Fatty Liver & Cancer Risk: What the Latest Research Shows

The recent study mentioned above, which we reported on last month, highlighted a concerning link between regular intake of sugary sodas and sweetened beverages being associated with a greater risk of developing fatty liver and potentially accelerating its progression toward liver cancer. The research suggested that excess sugar, notably fructose, can enhance fat deposition in the liver, inflame liver tissue, and drive cellular changes that may increase cancer risk over time.

This evidence reinforces an important message: what you drink matters. Reducing or eliminating sugary sodas and sweetened drinks can be a powerful, actionable step in slowing or even reversing MASLD’s progression.

Can You Reverse MASLD?

Yes! And the liver is remarkably resilient when given the chance to heal. Here’s how reversal typically works:

Weight Loss: Research suggests that losing just 7-10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat, inflammation, and scarring. Weight loss helps the liver metabolize stored fat more efficiently and improves insulin sensitivity.
Dietary Adjustments: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil and omega-3s).
- Limit processed carbs, fried foods, and sugary drinks.
- A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce liver fat and inflammation.
- Avoid crash dieting, which can actually worsen liver inflammation.
Exercise: Moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes per week) improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce visceral fat, even without major weight loss. Both aerobic and resistance training offer measurable benefits.
Metabolic Conditions: Treating diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders is key. These conditions often overlap with fatty liver disease and can accelerate its progression.

With consistent changes, many patients see measurable improvement within six to twelve months, and some achieve complete reversal of early-stage fatty liver disease.

How Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Helps

Our specialists offer advanced diagnostics like FibroScan®, a noninvasive test that measures liver stiffness and fat levels, allowing us to track improvement and tailor treatment. With personalized weight management and metabolic care, we help patients reverse MASLD and protect long-term liver health.

Learn more about your liver health this October. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

World Osteoporosis Day is October 20: Here’s How to Strengthen Your Bones at Every Age

Posted on October 17, 2025October 28, 2025 by Leslie Branon

Annually on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day reminds us that strong bones are the foundation of lifelong health. Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, affects both men and women, though it’s often thought of as primarily a women’s health issue. In reality, while women are more likely to develop osteoporosis (with universal screening recommended after age 65), about one in five men over 50 will also experience an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining years. In fact, men account for roughly one in four hip fractures among older adults.

The good news? Prevention and early treatment can make a difference. Simple daily habits play a major role in protecting bone health, and our experts emphasize one in particular: quitting smoking. Below, we’ll explain why breaking this habit can prevent osteoporosis, along with other tips for keeping your bones strong.

Why Bone Health Matters

Bone density naturally decreases over time, and hormonal changes, diabetes, and certain medications can accelerate bone loss. Without proper screening and management, this can lead to fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine injuries that drastically impact quality of life.

How Smoking Weakens Your Bones

Cigarette smoke in particular affects nearly every organ system, including the skeletal system. Smoking undermines bone health by:

Reduced blood supply: Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to bones, impairing nutrient delivery and healing.
Hormonal interference: Tobacco disrupts levels of estrogen and testosterone, both of which play roles in bone maintenance.
Lower calcium absorption: Smoking has been linked to decreased calcium uptake in the intestines, making it harder for bones to build or maintain density.
Impaired bone-forming cells: Some evidence suggests toxins in smoke may negatively affect osteoblasts (the cells that build bone).

Because of these effects, smokers tend to lose bone more rapidly, heal more slowly from fractures, and endure higher fracture risk. Quitting smoking can slow bone loss and improve recovery outcomes.

Expert Tips to Build Bone Strength

Strategies you can adopt now include:

Nutrition:
- Aim for adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg daily, depending on age/gender)
- Pair with vitamin D (to improve absorption)
- Include protein, magnesium, and phosphorus
Move your bones:
- Weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, dancing)
- Resistance training (bodyweight, light weights, bands)
- Balance and posture work to reduce fall risk
Limit bone-harmful habits:
- Quit smoking
- Keep alcohol use moderate
- Avoid excessive caffeine or soda
Screen and monitor:
- Bone density scans (DEXA) as recommended
- Discuss bone health with your endocrinologist or primary care provider

Latest Breakthroughs: Reversing Bone Loss via GPR133

In promising news, a receptor called GPR133 (also known as ADGRD1) has recently been identified as a primary regulator of bone density. A study published by ScienceAlert describes how stimulating this receptor with a chemical compound (named AP503) in animal models significantly increased bone strength, even in bones with osteoporosis-like damage.

When GPR133 was activated, osteoblasts (cells that build bone) became more active, producing stronger bone tissue. The effect was even more pronounced when used in combination with exercise, providing a synergistic approach to bone health.

While this research is still in early stages and conducted in animal models, it opens up promising avenues: in the future, therapies targeting GPR133 might not just slow bone loss, but reverse it, rebuilding degraded bone to healthier strength.

How Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Can Help

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

thyroid ultrasound diagnosing thyroid disease

10 Signs of Thyroid Disease You Need to Know

Posted on September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 by Leslie Branon

Thyroid disease can be difficult to recognize because its symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for everyday stress, aging, or other health issues. Fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts may not seem connected at first, but together they can point to a thyroid problem.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team specializes in identifying and treating thyroid disease, helping patients find answers and get the care they need to feel their best.

What Is Thyroid Disease and How Does It Affect Your Body?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones (primarily T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and more. Thyroid disease occurs when your thyroid works too hard (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism), or if its structure becomes abnormal (nodules, goiters, thyroiditis).

Over time, untreated thyroid issues can lead to heart problems, cholesterol changes, fertility issues, and reduced quality of life.

10 Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

Here are 10 signs that could indicate thyroid disease. One symptom alone doesn’t mean there’s a problem, but if you spot several, it’s worth getting checked.

Fatigue, low energy, or feeling sluggish – Even after a full night’s sleep, you still feel tired or drained.
Weight changes – Unexplained weight gain (common in hypothyroidism) or weight loss despite unchanged eating and exercise (seen in hyperthyroidism).
Temperature sensitivity – Feeling excessively cold when others are comfortable (hypothyroidism) or overly hot/sweaty (hyperthyroidism).
Digestive disturbances – Constipation when thyroid is underactive; frequent bowel movements or diarrhea if overactive.
Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails – Hair thinning, dry or coarse skin, nails that break easily or grow more slowly.
Memory, focus & “brain fog” – Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or difficulty in mental tasks.
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression – Mood changes that do not match situational stress—feeling anxious, irritable, depressed.
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations – Heart racing, fluttering, or skipped beats.
Swelling in neck / Lump or goiter – Visible swelling in front of the throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, voice changes.
Swelling / puffiness in face or hands – Feeling bloated, facial puffiness or swelling not due to diet or other obvious causes.

Who Is at Risk for Thyroid Disease?

Certain factors increase your risk of thyroid problems:

Family history of thyroid disease
Autoimmune disorders (Type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Prior radiation therapy to neck or chest
Gender & age (women, especially middle-age or older, are more likely)
Pregnancy or postpartum period
Iodine deficiency (rare in U.S., more common in certain diets)

What To Do If You Notice Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

If you recognize several of these signs, our thyroid specialists recommend you schedule a visit with your primary care provider and share all of your symptoms, even the ones that seem minor. Your doctor may order lab work to understand how your thyroid is functioning and perform a physical exam to check for swelling, nodules, or other changes in the thyroid gland.

In many cases, your provider may recommend that you see an endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment. Depending on your results, management might include thyroid hormone replacement for an underactive thyroid, medication to reduce hormone levels for an overactive thyroid, or, in some cases, surgery.

Alongside medical treatment, healthy lifestyle habits—such as balanced nutrition, stress management, and good sleep—can also play an important role in supporting thyroid health.

Thyroid Care at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our thyroid specialists are here to support your journey toward better thyroid health. We offer a Thyroid Nodule Fast-Track Program, which guarantees an appointment within two weeks if your primary care provider has identified a nodule. Our clinic is fully equipped to handle the entire evaluation process in a patient-friendly, outpatient setting with accredited thyroid ultrasounds and fine-needle biopsies if needed.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinologists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

PCOS and Menopause: What You Should Know This PCOS Awareness Month

Posted on September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by Leslie Branon

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often thought of as a condition that primarily affects younger women, but its impact doesn’t end there. As more people with PCOS enter perimenopause and menopause, research is shedding light on how symptoms and risks change, and what steps you can take to protect your health during this important stage of life.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries work. It often leads to irregular or missed periods, higher levels of male-type hormones (androgens), and insulin resistance. Many women experience symptoms such as acne, increased facial or body hair, fertility challenges, and weight gain. Importantly, PCOS is a lifelong condition—it does not simply go away with age or once menstruation stops.

What Happens During Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate. This stage can last for several years and is often marked by irregular cycles, hot flashes, and mood changes. Menopause, on the other hand, is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period and signals the end of natural ovarian hormone production.

Research shows that women with PCOS often reach menopause a little later than average—sometimes one to two years later. Because symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and changes in skin or mood can occur with both PCOS and perimenopause, it can be difficult to tell which condition is driving the changes you may be experiencing.

How PCOS Changes with Menopause

While menstrual irregularities resolve once menopause begins, PCOS does not disappear. In fact, the focus shifts toward long-term health risks. Women with PCOS continue to face a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Some symptoms of androgen excess, such as acne or hair growth, may improve, but for many women, they persist even after menopause.

Managing PCOS Through Menopause

Here are practical steps for managing PCOS and menopause together, especially to reduce risks and improve quality of life:

Lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition (with whole foods, lean protein, plenty of fiber) and regular physical activity.
- Focus on good sleep hygiene and stress management—both affect hormones.
- Avoid smoking; alcohol in moderation.
Hormonal & Medical Treatments
- Hormone therapy (if appropriate) to address menopausal symptoms.
- Medications to manage insulin resistance (e.g. metformin) or regulate androgen levels.
- Regular monitoring of lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Regular Check-ups
- See your endocrinologist or health provider to review labs and symptoms at least annually.
- Screen for diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic complications.
Be Proactive
- Work with your care team (endocrinologist, gynecologist, primary care) to tailor a plan based on how PCOS has affected you through your life.

Contact Texas Diabetes

If you have PCOS and are approaching perimenopause or already navigating menopause, Texas Diabetes is here to help. Our endocrinologists specialize in managing hormone changes, metabolic health, and long-term risks to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.