Author: Leslie Branon

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.

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.

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