Author: Leslie Branon

ozempic weight loss
Impact of the Ozempic Shortage
Posted on by Leslie Branon

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we treat people who have Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Our entire team is up to date with the latest treatment options available including nutrition, lifestyle, and other alternatives in addition to conventional treatments.

There is growing concern in the health care community about the continued misuse of the diabetes drug Ozempic and resulting shortage.

The drug Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) was introduced in the market in 2017. It is one of the first line medications to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic slows down the absorption of food, causes the body to produce insulin and suppresses appetite. As a result, weight loss is common when taking the drug. However, the FDA has not approved it for this use. Furthermore, when patients get off the medication, weight is often regained because there has been no change in lifestyle habits such as diet or exercise and reversal of above stated mechanisms occur.

Over the last year, Ozempic has gained a lot of popularity because of its effect on weight loss, which has led to it’s misuse for short term gains. 

Obesity is a chronic disease and hence a medication used to treat it should always be considered for the long term and as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions of modified diet and exercise. Semaglutide was approved under the brand name of Wegovy for patients with clinical obesity, however, the dose strength and titrations are different from Ozempic and most importantly, patients regain weight when they stop the medication. 

There are also several negative side effects of these medications which need to be considered which include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (especially if mixed with alcohol or if someone has high triglyceride levels)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Some association with thyroid cancer in animal studies

We have continued our efforts in working with our patients to get them their Ozempic prescriptions, but many a times patients have had to reduce their dose or even go without if they can’t find it.  Ozempic also comes in different doses and should be taken only with the guidance of a medical care provider.

Watch Dr. Kajal Shah discuss the Ozempic shortage on KVUE News Austin.

Personalized Diabetes Treatment

Our team of board certified endocrinologists and certified diabetes care and education specialists are dedicated to making diabetes easier to manage on a day to day basis. We offer a full range of diabetes services including:

  • NextStepMD weight management program
  • Insulin pumps
  • Continuous glucose monitoring
  • Participation in clinical research trials for diabetes treatment

If you’d like to learn more about our full range of diabetes 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 with helpful wellness and health information.

eat better resolution
Tips to Keep your ‘Eat Better’ New Year’s Resolution
Posted on by Leslie Branon

As we get further into 2023, it can become increasingly difficult to stick with the New Year’s resolutions you made. Priorities constantly shift to keep up with busy schedules and new commitments, and – despite your best intentions – the goals you made can quickly be forgotten.

If ‘eat better’ was on your list of New Year’s resolutions, we’re here to not only help you achieve that goal but also make it an ongoing habit. Here are some tips to help you eat better throughout the year.

Approach your Resolution as a Lifestyle Change

Think of your resolution to eat better as a lifestyle change, not just a box on a list of goals to check off. To help you eat better more consistently, consider making little changes at first. For example, try to add a fruit a day into your meal plan. Then, gradually add more fruits and vegetables while eliminating processed foods. Dr. Keta Pandit recently shared her expertise on healthy weight management with Medical News Today. She says, “lifestyle habits, such as increased exercise and eating a well-balanced meal high in protein and fiber, are crucial to maintaining weight loss.” While taking steps to eat better, she recommends thinking about the larger health picture rather than a temporary life obstacle. Envisioning an achievable and realistic goal in a set amount of time is an important exercise to build a change in lifestyle because it allows people to focus on the goal with a purpose. Making some small changes by building small habits to achieve this goal is how most people can make successful changes. It also helps to find a system to track those habits in order to build a lifestyle change that is sustainable.

Make a Realistic Plan

Changing your diet can be an overwhelming process and it likely won’t happen overnight. When you can, set smaller goals for yourself throughout each week to ensure you’re moving at a pace that you can maintain. If eating better is part of a larger goal to lose weight, consider joining a program to help build a realistic plan that fits your needs. Our NextStepMD Weight Loss Program is designed to help you lose weight, maintain weight loss, and gain better control of your health. We offer one-on-one sessions and work closely with our patients to recommend the methods that offer the greatest opportunities of success. We’ll educate, motivate and support you through your weight loss journey, which includes establishing new eating habits.

Remember that Setbacks are Temporary 

With any lifestyle change, there are going to be days when you fall off course and don’t meet your goal. When this happens, the key is to remember that these setbacks don’t have to be permanent. Don’t give up – each day is a new opportunity to make any needed adjustments, move forward, and take a step closer to your goals!

Schedule a Free Health Coach Consultation 

Our knowledgeable health coaches are dedicated to helping you start your journey to a healthier, more energetic lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about how our one-on-one coaching session can support you and your long-term goals. 

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.

thyroid nodules
National Thyroid Awareness Month: What you Need to Know about Thyroid Nodules
Posted on by Leslie Branon

A thyroid nodule is a growth of thyroid tissue that can sometimes present as a lump in the thyroid gland. According to the National Library of Medicine, thyroid nodules are detected by physical examination in approximately 5-7% of adults. Thyroid nodules are fairly common, and most nodules are benign or non-cancerous. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 90% of nodules are benign. However, although less common, some nodules do contain cancer. 

This National Thyroid Awareness Month, we’re sharing what you need to know about thyroid nodules.

Unfortunately, there is no known cause for most thyroid nodules, even though they are common. There are a few risk factors for developing thyroid nodules, including:

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Increasing age
  • Living in areas of iodine deficiency
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Smoking

Thyroid Nodule Symptoms

Generally, thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms and blood tests like thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are normal. Though rare, some patients have described symptoms such as:

  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or ear
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • A feeling of fullness in the neck

Because symptoms do not usually occur, it’s important to get regular checkups and that you make sure your doctor checks your neck.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is not possible to differentiate benign from cancerous nodules by symptoms or clinical exams alone. Once a nodule is discovered specialized tests, such as an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy, may be recommended. If you have been diagnosed with a nodule, we offer a Thyroid Nodule Fast Track Program which guarantees you an appointment within two weeks.

Our thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies are done on-site in the comfort of an outpatient setting for your convenience. If you have a thyroid nodule that requires a biopsy, this procedure will be performed in our office with ultrasound-guided technology. In some cases, benign nodules may need to be removed surgically. If surgery is not recommended, your doctor will monitor the nodule for changes. 

Thyroid patients can expect to see their endocrinologist in addition to a physician extender in developing and maintaining a treatment plan for their condition. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” treatment plan. Our providers take the time to get to know their patients and work diligently to find a plan that is based upon the patient’s needs.

Contact Texas Diabetes Thyroid Specialists Today

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at our Central Austin, South Austin or Round Rock location, call 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.

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
FAQs with Dr. Jean Chen: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, and women with PCOS also have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. 

The condition has a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and polycystic ovaries.

PCOS is one of the most common diseases in females that is diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists. In this blog, Dr. Jean Chen answers some frequently asked questions about polycystic ovary syndrome and provides her expert insights on the condition.

What is an endocrinologist’s role in diagnosing and treating PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that can involve dysfunction of multiple endocrine glands, such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. This can, unfortunately, produce a hormone imbalance. PCOS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion and, therefore, a complete endocrine work up by an endocrinologist is often needed before a diagnosis of PCOS can be made.

Do you work with other physicians to help manage PCOS patients?

There are multiple complications of PCOS, and it does take a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. Our team of endocrinologists frequently need to work with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and OB/gynecologists.

Why is diagnosing PCOS challenging? 

​The symptoms of PCOS can sometimes be nonspecific, and there are other endocrine disorders that can mimic PCOS, such as Cushing’s syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Also, PCOS presents on a spectrum. Therefore, for some patients that do not necessarily have all the classical symptoms of PCOS or mild symptoms, the diagnosis can be missed.

When should you see a doctor for PCOS?

Patients should seek care from a medical provider when they are having symptoms of irregular periods and/or excess body/facial hair, weight gain, or acne.

Consult with an Austin Endocrinologist Today

Dr. Chen says that PCOS is a complex endocrine disease that is associated with several other comorbidities, such as insulin resistance, weight gain, infertility, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, getting diagnosed as early as possible and having an endocrinologist on your care team is important.

To schedule an appointment with a PCOS specialist in Central Austin, South Austin or Round Rock, call 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.

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