Author: Leslie Branon

Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes: Could It Be You? Understanding the Warning Signs and How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Posted on by Leslie Branon

November is National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common – and preventable – health challenges in the United States. Most people associate diabetes with managing insulin, avoiding sugar, or living with type 2 diabetes, but often overlooked is the in-between stage: prediabetes.

More than 98 million American adults, or roughly 1 in 3, have prediabetes, yet over 80% of them don’t know it. That means millions of people are walking around with blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes, without realizing their future health is at risk.

Prediabetes doesn’t always come with symptoms or warning signs. You may feel perfectly healthy and still have blood sugar levels that are quietly creeping upward. The silver lining is that with early detection, lifestyle changes, and proper medical support, prediabetes can often be reversed, preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes altogether.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign that your body is starting to have trouble managing blood sugar effectively, and an opportunity to take action before serious complications develop.

Why Prediabetes Matters

Prediabetes doesn’t always cause symptoms, so it can progress silently for years. Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Once type 2 diabetes develops, the risks grow dramatically, including higher chances of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.

Even though prediabetes may feel like a “gray area,” it’s actually one of the most powerful opportunities for prevention. Taking action now can help protect your long-term health and even extend your lifespan.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop prediabetes, certain factors increase your likelihood, including:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
  • Being 45 years or older
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Having high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
  • Having a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If you check even one of these boxes, it’s worth getting screened. A simple blood test can tell you where you stand.

Subtle Signs to Watch Out For

Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, which is why so many people are unaware they have it. However, some may notice:

  • Increased thirst or hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision

If you recognize any of these signs or have risk factors, ask your healthcare provider for a simple blood test to check your glucose levels.

How to Reduce Your Risk

The most effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes is by adopting healthy habits:

Lose a small amount of weight. If you are overweight, shedding even 5-7% of your body weight can dramatically reduce risk.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling all count.

Eat balanced meals that involve fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks and refined carbs.
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake.

Last but not lease, work with your healthcare team. Regular monitoring and preventive care can help you stay on track.

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 with helpful health and wellness information.

human liver
Can You Reverse Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease (MASLD)?
Posted on 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.

model showing osteoporosis
World Osteoporosis Day is October 20: Here’s How to Strengthen Your Bones at Every Age
Posted on 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:

  1. 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
  2. Move your bones:
    • Weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, dancing)
    • Resistance training (bodyweight, light weights, bands)
    • Balance and posture work to reduce fall risk
  3. Limit bone-harmful habits:
    • Quit smoking
    • Keep alcohol use moderate
    • Avoid excessive caffeine or soda
  4. 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 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.

  1. Fatigue, low energy, or feeling sluggish – Even after a full night’s sleep, you still feel tired or drained.
  2. Weight changes – Unexplained weight gain (common in hypothyroidism) or weight loss despite unchanged eating and exercise (seen in hyperthyroidism).
  3. Temperature sensitivity – Feeling excessively cold when others are comfortable (hypothyroidism) or overly hot/sweaty (hyperthyroidism).
  4. Digestive disturbances – Constipation when thyroid is underactive; frequent bowel movements or diarrhea if overactive.
  5. Dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails – Hair thinning, dry or coarse skin, nails that break easily or grow more slowly.
  6. Memory, focus & “brain fog” – Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or difficulty in mental tasks.
  7. Mood swings, anxiety, or depression – Mood changes that do not match situational stress—feeling anxious, irritable, depressed.
  8. Irregular heartbeat or palpitations – Heart racing, fluttering, or skipped beats.
  9. Swelling in neck / Lump or goiter – Visible swelling in front of the throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, voice changes.
  10. 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.  

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