Author: Leslie Branon

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.

extreme thirst, polydipsia, anemia and diabetes
Dr. Srujana Yada for Health Central: How Anemia Can Cause Excess Thirst
Posted on by Leslie Branon

There are numerous causes of unexplained increased thirst (polydipsia), including dehydration, anemia, dry mouth, and hypercalcemia. However, it is mostly commonly associated with diabetes. 

In a recent Health Central article, endocrinologist Dr. Srujana Yada explains that extreme thirst can be a result of severe anemia because when “blood pressure drops and blood volume decreases, one of the mechanisms our brain uses to maintain blood pressure is to increase water intake.” 

Dr. Yada advises people to drink two to three liters of fluid (about a gallon) a day, and  “if a person is drinking more than a gallon a day for several days and unable to quench thirst even after that, I would recommend seeing a doctor.”  

Read the article to learn about the causes of polydipsia and when to see a doctor.

For more information on our comprehensive endocrinology services, 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.

link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypothyroidism
Study Finds Link Between Fatty Liver Disease and Hypothyroidism
Posted on by Leslie Branon

One of the most common causes of liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when an abnormal amount of fat builds up liver cells. Affecting about 25% of adults, NAFLD often has no symptoms, especially in early stages, and can be easily missed in routine checkups. 

The condition can lead to liver swelling and damage, can cause liver cancer or failure, and puts patients at higher risk for heart disease.

Risk factors for NAFLD include high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high triglyceride levels. A recent study found that there is also a connection between this increasingly common disease and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

An endocrine disorder, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the body’s growth, development and metabolism. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Weight gain 
  • Fatigue 
  • Memory problems
  • Slowdown in heart rate
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Depression
  • Muscle pain and weakness
  • Joint stiffness, pain and swelling
  • Dry, thinning hair
  • Dry skin
  • Fertility problems
  • Menstrual cycle changes
  • Constipation
  • Elevated cholesterol

The Connection Between NAFLD and Hypothyroidism

Since researchers have only recently discovered the connection between NAFLD and hypothyroidism, more research is needed to learn exactly how and why the two conditions are connected. 

In the meantime, it is known that total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels tend to be higher in those with hypothyroidism. Researchers believe hypothyroidism might cause NAFLD because of the increased levels of these types of fat in the liver. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, may also be to blame since it can cause insulin resistance and lead to liver damage.

In hopes of shaping screening, prevention and treatment, future research is expected to study whether NAFLD causes hypothyroidism or vice versa, or if they simply occur at the same time. Researchers may also examine whether the connection exists because of general thyroid dysfunction or key thyroid functions themselves.

NAFLD Diagnosis

Whether discovered through routine blood work during an annual physical or blood tests specifically looking at the liver, NAFLD is usually found when liver enzyme levels are high. Further blood work can rule out other liver problems, and imaging — including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound and elastography — is typically used to diagnose NAFLD. 

One of the first endocrinology clinics in Austin to offer the non-invasive procedure, Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology provides FibroScan, an innovative elastography exam that evaluates liver health and identifies liver issues including NAFLD. 

FibroScan is conducted with an ultrasound to measure the amount of fat in the liver, identify any scarring, and evaluate other concerns.

NAFLD Treatment   

Lifestyle changes are usually recommended to reverse or stop the progression of the disease:

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Lose weight, if overweight or obese
  • Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Control diabetes
  • Avoid alcohol

For more information on Texas Diabetes thyroid services and imaging, 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.

« Previous Page — Next Page »