Author: Leslie Branon

managing diabetes during the holidays
Diabetes and Holiday Eating: Tips to Stay on Track
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The holiday season, and its festive foods, are often the highlight of the year for many people. For those with diabetes though, it can be extra challenging. 

Research from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association shows that half of those who have Type 2 diabetes feel that managing it during the holidays is more stressful than any other time of year. 

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, our team of board-certified endocrinologists are dedicated to helping our patients learn best practices for managing their diabetes and gain better control of their health, even during the holidays.

Our diabetes experts recommend planning ahead to help your glucose levels stay at a healthy level during the upcoming holiday season.

How can I manage my diabetes during the holidays? 

1.         Always eat a smart breakfast. Then make a calculated plan to balance your food intake for the rest of the day ahead, and plan accordingly if you will be eating at later times than usual to prevent low sugar episodes.

2.         Get a workout in during the morning and take a walk at night. A workout earlier in the day will help to boost circulation and improve insulin sensitivity, allowing for easier management in the hours to follow. A nighttime walk at the end of the day after a big meal will also help to ease digestion. 

3.         Track your carbohydrate intake. There are many handy and helpful charts and trackers to help you gauge exactly what your carb intake is according to what foods you eat for each holiday, such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas (courtesy of the JDRF). Find one that you like and stick to it for the next few months. 

4.         Know what you are eating. Don’t be afraid to ask your relative, host, or restaurant what ingredients (such as sugar, butter and cream) are in the foods you are eating, and how much! This knowledge can help you adjust your portions, or avoid some dishes, accordingly. Or, offer to bring your own low-carb, low-sugar version of something that will be served to share with others. 

5.         Consume alcohol in moderation and watch out for sugary mixers. Festive holiday cocktails are often loaded with sugary mixers such as juices and syrups.  Avoid drinking on an empty stomach as this can also cause your blood sugar to drop, and always drink responsibly.

6.         Test your glucose levels often. Keep as close to your regular testing schedule as possible, and anticipate potential blood sugar spikes and have a plan for when they occur. 

Bring plenty of stabilizing snacks along and your insulin and other medications if traveling. You never know when travel delays may occur, and you’ll want to be prepared. 

All that said, don’t forget to enjoy the holidays and those special festive treats when you can, and know that with a little planning and willpower you are able to get back on track with the next day and the next meal. 

Contact Us Today to Learn More about Managing Your Diabetes

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes treatment services can help you, 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.

nder affirming hormone therapy
Texas Diabetes Offers Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology’s team of board-certified endocrinology experts treat common endocrinology issues which are closely associated with the body’s hormonal system. 

One of the services we offer patients is gender affirming hormone therapy. In this blog, Dr. Valerie Espinosa explains everything you need to know about the gender affirming hormone therapy we offer in Austin, TX. 

What is gender affirming hormone therapy? 

This form of treatment is used in transgender and non-binary patients in order to help better align the body with a person’s gender identity, whether it be feminizing or masculinizing therapy. 

Feminizing therapy is mainly achieved with the administration of the hormone estradiol in transgender women and non-binary individuals. 

While estradiol is the mainstay of treatment, other medications may sometimes be

added (such as progestins and anti-androgens). Treatment with these medications induces several physical changes that are more consistent with a feminine appearance. These changes

include:

  • Breast development
  • Less facial and body hair
  • Softer skin
  • More body fat and a decline in muscle mass
  • Smaller testicles
  • Lower libido and fewer erections

Masculinizing therapy which uses testosterone in transgender men and non-binary individuals will also bring about several physical changes which include:

  • Cessation of the menstrual cycle
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Growth of facial and body hair
  • Clitoral enlargement
  • Increase in strength and muscle mass

How long does it take to see changes with gender affirming hormone therapy?

Changes generally start to occur within a few months, but full effects may not become apparent

until two to five years after starting hormone therapy.

What are the possible risks and side effects? 

Gender affirming hormone therapy does not come without serious risks/side effects. 

Estrogen-related side effects are: 

  • Blood clots
  • Higher cholesterol
  • Elevated prolactin
  • Weight gain
  • Hypertension
  • Potential for stroke
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression 

Testosterone-related side effects are:  

  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Higher cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Sleep apnea
  • High red blood cell counts
  • Blood clots

Both hormones will cause the transgender individual to develop infertility, which may or may

not be permanent.

What is the process to begin gender affirming hormone therapy?

Prior to starting therapy, we require a physician referral. Then, we will provide patient education including the risks and benefits of treatment to ensure that you are well informed enough to consent to treatment. Following this initial step, you will:

1.         Undergo a complete medical evaluation, including physical exam and laboratory diagnostics, to determine any treatment risks.

2.         Learn about and discuss options for fertility preservation. 

3.         Seek a mental health evaluation in order to confirm a gender dysphoria diagnosis and to rule out any co-existing mental health issues.

Once you have begun your hormone therapy, you will visit with our providers on a regular basis so that we can track your response to treatment and check for any signs of complications. 

We are ready to facilitate your journey through this process.

If you’d like to learn more about our gender affirming hormone therapy services, please call Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology 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.

weight and insulin resistance
Weight and Insulin Resistance Connection
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Insulin resistance is a common condition that is linked with weight gain in many individuals. When our bodies become resistant to insulin, it can result in higher levels of glucose in the blood, and cause the body to store energy rather than burn fat.

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology Advanced Practice Provider Brandy Wellmon, PA-C shares her knowledge about insulin resistance for The Checkup. Wellmon explains, “People that naturally gain weight in their belly are more prone to insulin resistance.”

Wellmon recommends developing a weight loss plan and committing to it in order to see results.

​​“If you set your expectations to attainable goals, then the first and most important thing to remember is you should stick with your lifestyle improvements for at least three months before you should expect to see a significant amount of weight loss.”

Read the article for tips to lose weight with insulin resistance.

For more information on our personalized approach to weight management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400. 

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

sleep and diabetes
Sleep and Diabetes: Wake up to why Sleep Matters 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

With busier-than-ever schedules, unending distractions and rising rates of sleep disorders, sleep is a hot topic for just about everyone these days. 

However, if you’re living with diabetes or at risk of the condition, the quality and quantity of sleep you get each night play even more significant roles in your health and how you feel.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults get seven hours of sleep each night. Children and teens need more. The CDC reports more than a quarter of Americans don’t meet this recommendation.

“Not getting enough sleep negatively affects every area of your diabetes management and puts those who have yet to be diagnosed at risk,” says endocrinologist Dr. Tira Chaicha-Brom.

“Getting less than seven hours sleep increases your body’s insulin resistance, causing you to feel hungrier the next day and making it more likely for you to reach for foods higher in sugar and carbs,” Dr. Chaicha-Brom says.  “That’s why you see those who aren’t getting proper sleep have a harder time maintaining a healthy weight.”

In addition, poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of diabetic complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Research shows too little sleep can raise blood pressure, seriously raising the risk of heart attack, and also confirms sleep deprivation affects immunity. 

Start improving your sleep today by following these simple steps, as outlined by the CDC:

Do:

  • Get some physical activity each day.
  • Set up a comfortable, dark, quiet and cool environment in your bedroom. In fact, experts say 65 degrees is optimal for quality sleep.
  • Set aside time to unwind and relax before bedtime. Establish a bedtime routine that might include reading, showering, or anything to start slowing down for the night.
  • Go to bed and wake up around the same time of day, including the weekends, for the best quality sleep

Don’t: 

  • Drink caffeine or alcohol in the afternoon and evening. Skip the nicotine while you’re at it, as it acts like caffeine.
  • Nap after 3 p.m., you might not feel tired by bedtime.
  • Indulge in a big meal close to bedtime, as eating late can cause indigestion and cause blood sugar levels to spike overnight.
  • Watch screens before bedtime, including TV, using the computer or your smartphone.
  • Get into bed unless you’re tired.

For more information on our personalized approach to diabetes management, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400. 

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

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