Author: Leslie Branon

What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Posted on by Leslie Branon


Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can stem from and are associated with a set of common factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar levels, obesity, and physical inactivity. 

When these conditions occur together it is defined as metabolic syndrome. 

Currently up to one-third of all adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome. 

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our team of board-certified endocrinologists and diabetes specialists offer a variety of options to help prevent heart disease and manage weight loss in order to avoid developing metabolic syndrome and other serious conditions. 

What causes metabolic syndrome? 

One of the main contributors in developing metabolic syndrome is being overweight or obese. You are at a significantly higher risk for metabolic syndrome if your body is ‘apple-shaped,’ which refers to carrying extra weight around the abdomen. 

Other common risk factors for metabolic syndrome may include:

  • Advanced age
  • Ethnicity, with Hispanics reported to be at the highest risk 
  • A diagnosis of pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, or a family history of diabetes
  • High blood pressure or cholesterol
  • Insulin resistance, where the body has a hard time processing sugars

What are some symptoms of metabolic syndrome? 

There are no common symptoms that point towards metabolic syndrome, that is why it is important to get evaluated with your primary care doctor every 1 to 3 years, depending on your age and risk factors. 

How can you prevent developing metabolic syndrome? 

Many of the factors associated with metabolic syndrome can be improved if not fully reversed with dedicated lifestyle changes. Some healthy habits that our endocrinology experts recommend for preventing metabolic syndrome and the risk for diabetes and heart disease are:

  • Eating a well-balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Monitoring how much salt and sugar are in your diet
  • Aiming for at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least five days a week
  • Losing weight as directed by your physician
  • Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation

At TD&E, we offer cardiovascular risk assessment including Advanced Lipid Testing and supportive weight loss counseling and management. 

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions 

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.

What is diabetes burnout?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning that it must be managed 24/7 and 365 days a year for those who live with it. If your blood sugar is out of balance, your body will suffer.

The level of detail you must consistently devote to what you eat and drink, and how often, coupled with administering medications and testing your blood can be draining and downright exhausting. 

The sense of feeling overwhelmed about managing this condition in particular so meticulously is known as ‘diabetes burnout,’ or diabetes distress, something that affects one in five diabetics according to the American Diabetes Association.

One of our diabetes experts and board-certified endocrinologists, Dr. Lucy Esteve, shared her thoughts on diabetes burnout in a recent article for Health Central. 

What is diabetes burnout?

“I often tell my patients that diabetes is a full-time, ‘24/7’ job without paid time off,” says Dr. Esteve.  “You must continuously be planning ahead, troubleshooting, and making decisions.” 

The burnout can come from the daily management of the disease itself, but can also be triggered by factors like the financial stress of purchasing insulin and medications, or the social ramifications of not being able to eat in the same manner as family and friends. 

“Even when you do everything “right,” she explains, “you don’t always get the outcome that you want or expect, leading to further frustration.”

What are some signs of diabetes burnout?

Common signs of diabetes burnout may include:

  • Disengagement from or apathy about your diabetes care such as neglecting to test your blood sugars or take insulin shots
  • Missing regular appointments with your endocrinologist or other physicians 
  • Difficulty coping with stress and making rash, unwise food choices that could affect your blood glucose levels
  • Feeling overwhelmed, sad, or angry 
  • Withdrawal from family and friends 

What are some ways to help alleviate diabetes burnout?

Dr. Esteve shares that “I aim to eliminate any feelings of guilt that they (patients) may have for not managing their diabetes perfectly.” 

She urges those who are experiencing this type of distress to reach out to loved ones first, or their caregivers, to let them know how they’re feeling and to:

  • Seek help from your endocrinologist or other medical professionals, such as dieticians, physical therapists, or psychologists
  • Find a support group with other diabetics so that you can lean on each other for encouragement 
  • Speak with your endocrinologist about streamlining your medications and blood testing routine so that it is as easy to manage as possible
  • Try to balance other stresses in life, like family or work obligations, with activities or hobbies that bring you personal joy and peace, as a little self care goes a long way!

Finally, remember that you are not alone on this health journey to manage your diabetes. Please reach out to someone you trust, including our team at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions 

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.

Diabetes and Heart Disease  
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Approximately every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from some form of heart disease, and those who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease than others. 

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, encompasses the many conditions that could damage your heart, the aorta, or its vast network of surrounding blood vessels, veins and arteries. Heart disease typically prevents blood from flowing effectively in and out of the heart.  

If left untreated, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

What is the connection between diabetes and heart disease? 

High glucose levels and high blood pressure, both associated with diabetes, can lead to damaged blood vessels over time and cause wear and tear on the heart muscle.  People with diabetes also tend to have high cholesterol levels which lead to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) which restricts blood flow. 

Since February is American Heart Month, our team of board-certified endocrinologists aims to ensure that all of our patients are aware of the potential risk for heart disease, while becoming educated on how to prevent it.

What are symptoms of heart disease?

Some common symptoms to watch out for that may be signs of heart disease include: 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain, also known as angina, or chest tightness or pressure
  • A slowed heartbeat
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Chronic pain or numbness in your arms
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or upper back

How is heart disease diagnosed?

If you notice any of these symptoms, and you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease (such as a family history), it is important to get examined right away.

Diagnostic tests that your doctor may use to determine if you are suffering from heart disease are:

  • An electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Cardiac CT scan or MRI

At TD&E, we offer heart disease prevention services and diagnostics such as Advanced Lipid Panel Testing and Coronary Artery Calcium Tests. 

We will always work in close conjunction with your cardiologist to create the best treatment plan for both your heart health and diabetes. 

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions 

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.

Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Ushers in New Year with Doctor Accolades
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology is proud to share that several of our physicians were recognized as Texas Monthly Super Doctors for 2024 and Austin Monthly Top Doctors for 2025.

Our hard-working team of endocrinologists and diabetes experts are honored and humbled to receive peer recognition from the medical community.

Our Texas Monthly Super Doctors for 2024 are:

Super Doctors are selected annually via an intensive review process based on peer recognition and professional achievement. 

This month, Austin Monthly recently recognized its Top Doctors for 2025, including:

Austin Monthly Top Doctors are nominated by peers in the local Austin medical community who would entrust these doctors with their care or the care of a family member. 

TD&E is committed to acting as a valuable resource for fellow physicians, and most importantly, to serving patients with personal and compassionate care and the most cutting-edge therapies available to treat common endocrinology conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis. We also offer thyroid imaging services, heart disease prevention, and weight loss management. 

A hearty congratulations to our Super Doctors and Top Doctors for their well-deserved recognition, and a very happy and healthy new year to all of our patients!

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions 

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.

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