Author: Leslie Branon

clinical trial day
Honoring Clinical Trials Day: Advancing Endocrine Care Through Research
Posted on by Leslie Branon

May 20th marks Clinical Trials Day, a time to recognize the critical role research plays in driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes and the research professionals who are committed to transform patients’ lives. 

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we have actively participated in clinical research for the past decade, offering a variety of trials for patients to pursue in areas of Diabetes, Thyroid, Osteoporosis, PCOS, Cholesterol, and Obesity/Weight Loss.

In honor of Clinical Trials Day, we asked advanced practice providers Carrie Barlow, PA-C, CDCES and Amanda Bonazzi, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CDCES, to share how endocrine research has led to groundbreaking advancements in patient care and why they’re passionate about being involved. 

Why Endocrine Research Matters

Endocrine research plays a vital role in helping us address many of our modern-day public health issues and shapes the guidelines we use to determine the best treatment for our patients. 

“Having access to innovative therapies and technology has changed the landscape of how we manage our patients’ care,” says Amanda Bonazzi, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CDCES. “It is hard to imagine providing care to patients without these invaluable tools at our fingertips.”

Research not only leads to improvements in existing therapies and technology – it provides space for the development of novel treatments.

Carrie Barlow, PA-C, CDCES adds, “Without research, we wouldn’t be able to improve care or bring new treatments to our patients.”

Bringing Research to the Front Lines of Care

Both Bonazzi and Barlow find it rewarding to be part of a process that not only benefits their current patients, but also drives medical innovation across the country. 

“I enjoy seeing research patients because it allows me to contribute to healthcare in a different way,” Bonazzi shares. “It’s a preview of how new medications and therapies will impact patients now and in the future.”

Barlow agrees: “Engaging with research patients provides insights into the effectiveness of new therapies and interventions while also allowing me to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.” 

What Sets TD&E Research Apart

The research department at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology is a distinguishing feature of our practice. Both Barlow and Bonazzi emphasize how having research departments integrated into all three of our Austin-area locations gives patients early access to emerging treatments and keeps our team of experts on the cutting edge of care.

“Our commitment to research fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that we remain the very best in providing patient care,” says Barlow.

And because research subjects are recruited from within the practice, patients benefit from both continuity of care and early access to the latest breakthroughs. 

“It gives our patients the opportunity to benefit from accessing new treatment options before they are FDA approved,” Bonazzi notes.

Why Patients Should Consider Participating

Certain endocrine treatments may be unaffordable or not covered by insurance, leaving patients with limited options to manage their condition. Clinical research can offer a pathway to care by providing access to therapies and technologies at no cost to the participant. 

Not only can it open doors to next generation therapies, but it also gives patients a chance to give back to the broader healthcare community.

“I encourage patients to participate because it offers access to new and potentially more effective treatments—and helps improve future care for others,” says Barlow.

Clinical Research Opportunities at TD&E

You can learn more about our research department and currently enrolling clinical trials here. Please feel free to contact us at (512) 334-3505, option 4, to speak to a research coordinator about our enrolling studies.

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 Hypertension
Posted on by Leslie Branon

High blood pressure (or hypertension) and diabetes often occur together. One theory as to their link is that both conditions share common risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. It is estimated that two out of every three people with diabetes also report having high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure is defined as consistent readings that exceed 120/80 (systolic/diastolic pressure).

The American Diabetes Association recently updated its Standards of Care in Diabetes which referenced the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors (ie: hypertension) alongside diabetes treatment. 

One key recommendation made was that blood pressure should be taken at every routine clinical exam for people with diabetes, or at least a minimum of every six months. 

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team of board-certified endocrinologists guide patients  through their diabetes treatment to help them lead the fullest, most active life possible despite the challenges of this chronic disease and accompaniments like high blood pressure.  

Here are some tips that our diabetes experts recommend for helping to improve hypertension while also helping to promote healthy blood glucose levels:

  • Get plenty of physical activity, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for most adults
  • Speak with your physician about losing weight if overweight and about what your target goal weight should be
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet full of whole grains, brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and proteins 
  • Use herbs and spices to enhance food instead of excess sugar, sodium and fats
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit alcohol consumption 

If your high blood pressure persists despite healthy lifestyle changes, your physician may suggest medication to help lower it.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, all of our treatment plans are personally tailored to best meet your unique healthcare needs. In addition to diabetes management, we also offer heart disease prevention and weight loss counseling services. 

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.

The Basics of Blood Sugar Monitoring  
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Blood glucose monitoring is a key component to effective diabetes management. How high or low your blood sugar is throughout the day can have a direct effect on both your physical and mental well-being. 

If your blood sugar is too low, it can make it difficult to focus and function. If it’s too high, it can not only impact your ability to function in the moment, but over time it may cause damage to your internal organs. This can increase your risk for other health issues such as stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and more.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team of board-certified endocrinologists want to set our diabetes patients up for success by recommending blood sugar monitoring routines that are efficient so that daily life and taking insulin and other medications are as easy as possible. 

Here are some basic reminders for smart blood glucose testing.

When should I check my blood sugar?

General guidelines for when to test your blood sugar levels each day are:

  • First thing in the morning when you wake up before eating or drinking
  • Before eating each meal
  • Roughly two hours after each meal
  • Before bedtime 

Your endocrinologist may give you special instructions on when to test during the day depending on your diabetes diagnosis (Type 1 or Type 2) and insulin protocol. 

How do I check my blood sugar?

The traditional method for checking blood glucose levels is a finger prick to draw blood which is then placed on a special test strip read by a glucose meter. Today there is a newer advancement in gauging blood sugar levels via a CGM, or Continuous Glucose Monitor, that uses a small transmitter under the skin to send real-time readings to a digital device like a phone or computer. 

You and your physician will decide what is the most convenient and effective method for you. A TD&E, we carefully tailor each of our patient’s treatment to their unique individual needs. 

What should my target blood sugar levels be? 

Target blood sugar levels will vary from person-to-person depending on key factors such as:

  • Age
  • Other medical conditions (such as pregnancy) or medications prescribed 
  • Length of your diabetes diagnosis 
  • Cardiovascular condition 

The American Diabetes Association recommends general target ranges as follows (for non-pregnant individuals):

  • Before a meal: 80–130 mg/dL
  • After a meal ( 2 hours): Less than 180 mg/dL

Tracking Your Blood Sugar Levels

You should establish an easy way to track your blood sugar readings every day whether it’s writing them down or entering them digitally so they are easily accessible and can be shared with your doctor whenever needed. Most glucometers are able to record your readings, though memory storage varies depending on the glucometer.

Don’t be discouraged if your readings fluctuate from time-to-time. Things like stress, travel, illness or other medications, and too much or too little physical activity can easily offset your regular blood sugar levels. 

Achieving optimal blood sugar levels every day takes dedication to routine and healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Managing diabetes can be a challenging task, but at TD&E we are here to assist and guide you.

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.

Five Tips For Healthier Eating
Posted on by Leslie Branon

You are what you eat as the saying goes. Good nutrition and a balanced diet, along with regular physical activity, go a long way in contributing to your overall health, both physical and mental. 

The benefits of healthy eating are limitless. It helps support strong bones and muscles, boosts immunity, increases brain function, and lowers the potential for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer. 

Our team of board-certified endocrinologists place a great deal of emphasis on smart eating habits as we treat diabetes and help facilitate healthy weight loss for our patients. 

Improving your Diet with Five Tips for Healthier Eating

1. Eat the rainbow. Try to fill up with brightly colored fruits and vegetables at every meal. They provide an endless supply of fiber and nutrients and are an excellent source of hydration as well. 

2. Pay attention to portion sizes. Eat everything in moderation, but reserve your larger portions at each meal for fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. More on healthy food portions can be found here. 

3. Read your food labels. Take a close look at what you’re eating and make sure to scan food labels of what you’re buying. Try to avoid anything with artificial colors/dyes, added sweeteners/sugars, or excessive amounts of sodium, cholesterol, and fats. 

4. Get in the kitchen and get cooking. The healthiest meals are often the ones you prepare at home with your own ingredients knowing exactly what goes into each recipe. Try to prioritize frequent family dinners together (pick fun theme nights or experiment with another culture’s cuisine) and meal prep on the weekends to set you up for success during the busy week ahead. 

5. Sub in the healthy swaps. Whether it’s beans as your main protein for a meatless Monday meal, or opting for a more fiber-filled whole wheat pizza crust, discovering smart and healthy swaps wherever you can is always a plus.  

Finally, if you need direction with your diet or weight loss goals, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Registered dieticians and weight loss professionals are experts at tailoring programs to suit your unique body’s needs.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we specialize in working with those who need to lose weight in order to manage chronic health conditions, like diabetes. Our weight loss management program offers guidance and support for nutrition education, diet and exercise, and FDA-approved weight loss medications if necessary. 

We are here for you!

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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