Author: Leslie Branon

What is smart insulin?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Smart technology shapes everything we do these days, including having a hand in healthcare and medical therapies. It has recently become more widely used in treating diabetes through wearable devices and newer and more improved forms of insulin

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our team of board-certified endocrinologists treat all forms of diabetes and we are always engaged in research to study more innovative and cutting-edge technologies that may help our patients.

People living with diabetes need to constantly monitor and regulate their blood sugar levels and insulin. As they need to supplement the insulin that their body lacks, any time we can discover a better, more efficient way for patients to receive insulin, the better quality of life they can lead. 

Research shows that smart insulin technology has the potential to do that.

What is smart insulin?

Smart insulin is administered via a reusable injection pen that is connected to a smartphone app to more accurately and efficiently support insulin management. The smart software system can decipher glucose readings and automatically calculate and recommend dosages for the user while also generating reminders and alerts to keep them on track and their blood sugar levels within normal ranges. 

Other developments in advancing insulin efficiency include ‘glucose-responsive insulins’ where the insulin is delivered in injections or capsule form. This long-lasting insulin is stored in the body until it ‘senses’ an insulin boost is needed, and then it is activated. 

What is the benefit of smart insulin technology?

These new smart insulin technologies in development are specifically designed to help those with insulin dependent diabetes.

“Our goal in researching new and better diabetes treatments is to ease the burden of constant testing, managing and administering insulin,” said diabetes specialist and board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Jean Chen.

“We believe smart insulin technology can offer a better quality of life for patients with insulin dependent diabetes by providing an insulin support system that is seamless and very closely mirrors how the body is meant to naturally process and balance glucose.” 

When will smart insulin products be available? 

Various forms of smart insulin pens are available to patients. New forms of smart insulin and glucose responsive insulin are the subject of clinical research trials all over the world. TD&E recently participated in the Novo Nordisk ONWARDS trial, a type of weekly injectable insulin known as insulin icodec.  It is currently in the FDA approval stage to assess safety and efficacy.

TD&E prides itself on offering patients the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials that may enhance their current treatments and potentially provide additional support or alleviation of symptoms related to their condition. 

More about our clinical research department and available trials can be found here.

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, heart disease prevention,  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.

fatty liver disease
What you need to know about fatty liver disease and alcohol
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The liver is a multi-tasking organ that performs many essential functions for the body, one of which is detoxification. Sometimes the liver itself can accumulate too many toxins, such as in the case of fatty liver disease, when harmful fat deposits build up and cause inflammation. This can lead sometimes lead to more permanent damage, known as cirrhosis.

Approximately 25 percent of adult Americans are living with one of the most chronic liver diseases known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are heavily prone to developing this condition. It is estimated that up to 70% of those living with T2D also suffer from  NAFLD. 

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD is the accumulation of fat in the liver that is unrelated to alcohol use, as opposed to alcoholic fatty liver disease which can be attributed directly to excessive alcohol consumption. While the exact cause of NAFLD can be hard to pinpoint, however, conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are frequent triggers.

If too much fat builds up, the liver’s ability to function properly and eliminate toxins starts to decrease and can eventually shut down altogether. This leaves the body susceptible to severe sickness from the accumulated toxins. 

Unfortunately, NAFLD often develops without any significant symptoms.

How is NAFLD diagnosed?

NAFLD can be detected and further characterized through a non-invasive imaging study called FibroScan. Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology is one of the first endocrinology clinics in Central Austin to offer this innovative testing.

FibroScan technology allows our endocrinologists to gauge the amount of fat in the liver by observing the degree of stiffness in liver tissue.  The FibroScan evaluation is painless, performed conveniently in our offices, and only takes about 15 minutes to complete. 

NAFLD and Alcohol

If a diagnosis of NAFLD is made, one of the common questions our board-certified endocrinologists get is how drinking alcoholic beverages can affect this condition.

Endocrinologist Dr. Ishita Prakash Patel offers the following guidance to patients.

Is moderately drinking safe for those who are diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver?

Abstinence from drinking is the safest option for those who already have the diagnosis of fatty liver disease.

What are the benefits of alcohol avoidance for those with NAFLD?

The benefits are stabilizing the liver disease and not aiding in progression of liver cell injury and the development of fibrosis, which is permanent.

Do any beverages actually help reduce liver fat?

A healthy balanced diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains is important. It is also very important to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. There are no specific beverages which are proven to reduce liver fat. Drinking beverages without added sugars or chemicals are best. It is also recommended to stay away from processed and high fat foods.

Dr. Patel shares that “there is a rapidly growing percentage of the population that is developing NAFLD, as it is closely associated with obesity and diabetes.”

It is important to be aware of the potential for NAFLD if you possess one of the risk factors, such as diabetes, and get screened for it as “this condition can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are more permanent and dangerous conditions.”

How is NAFLD treated?

Lifestyle changes are typically the first, and most effective, form of treatment recommended. Your physician may suggest the following modifications to encourage healthier liver function:

  • Eating a balanced diet low in fats and sugar and high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if necessary
  • Exercising regularly, at least 150 minutes per week for the average adult
  • Quitting smoking
  • Properly managing (and monitoring) chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

Some medications and dietary supplements may also be helpful in relieving the liver of fatty buildup. Our team of endocrinology experts will work closely with your physician or gastroenterologist to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.

Welcoming Endocrinologist Dr. Lucy Esteve
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lucy Esteve to our team of board-certified endocrinologists and diabetes experts. She is now seeing patients at our South Austin location. 

Dr. Esteve specializes primarily in diabetes management and cutting-edge treatment technologies, such as wearable smartwatches, for the early detection and prevention of diabetes and related complications. 

She is fluent in multiple languages including French, Italian and Spanish. Her ability to communicate in several languages will be helpful in serving our diverse and multicultural population here in Central Texas. 

She joined TDE most recently from her Endocrinology Research Fellowship at Duke University in Durham, NC. 

Dr. Esteve attended Imperial College London in the U.K. where she obtained a BEng in Biomedical Engineering and a MSc in Immunology. She then completed her medical training at Warwick Medical School in the U.K. followed by her Internal Medicine residency training at UT Health San Antonio, TX. 

She holds certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in both Endocrinology and Internal Medicine. 

Dr. Esteve and her family chose to settle down in Austin for its multicultural population, strong art and music scene and great food. She instantly felt like Texas Diabetes would be a great fit for her and is excited to work alongside a well-organized, strong clinical team. 

Getting to Know Dr. Esteve

Why are you passionate about what you do?

Coming from a multicultural background, I feel like I can relate to patients and love creating long- term partnerships where we develop a personalized treatment plan together that works for them!

What are some fun facts you’d like to share?

I am the first physician in my family. My family is originally from Europe, but we are all now proudly American! My mother is an artist and my father an engineer, and they could not be more opposite! I am married with two children. 

How do you spend your free time when not caring for patients?

Outside of clinic, I love swimming, cooking, traveling the world, and watching soccer.  I am also an editor for an online knowledge sharing platform called theMednet.

Please join us in warmly welcoming her to the TD&E family!

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

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Esteve or one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services, heart disease prevention,  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 research
What to Know About Clinical Research Trials at TD&E 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Clinical research trials are conducted every day in every field of medicine in order to discover and advance new and innovative forms of treatment. At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our commitment to endocrinology research is unwavering. 

During a clinical research trial, patients volunteer to test cutting-edge new treatments (or medical devices) while in the development stage before they become available to the general public.

The benefits to a patient for opting to participate in clinical research trials include: (1) allowing them to learn more about their condition and actively take control of their health, and (2) potentially improving their condition (and therefore quality of life) by trying an effective new treatment.  

As appreciation and gratitude for their time and travel, patients who participate in TD&E research trials typically receive a form of compensation and all research-related medication and testing is free.

At Texas Diabetes, our Research Department was established in 2007 and is led by our team of board-certified endocrinologists and diabetes experts. We are considered one of the most active endocrine research practices worldwide.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about clinical research trials at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology:  

TD&E Research Trials FAQs

Is there compensation for participating in a trial? How are patients compensated?

  • Yes, there is compensation for participating in each study as a thank you for your time and travel to the site. 
  • Compensation varies between each study and the requirements of each visit.  
  • Compensation is provided on a payment card that is loaded after each visit is completed. 
  • The informed consent for each trial has a detailed description of the payment schedule and the Research Coordinator will review it with the patient during their screening visit. 
  • Patients who receive a payment of $600 or more during a tax year will receive a 1099-MISC form in the mail for tax purposes.

What is the time commitment required for a clinical research trial and how flexible are visits?

  • Every study is different and the visit  frequency will vary depending on the type of study. Most visits with the Research Coordinator will last one to two hours and are scheduled based on the individual study requirements. The informed consent for each study will have a detailed explanation of the number of visits required and whether it’s an onsite visit or phone visit.
  • All visits are conducted Monday through Friday, with most visits being scheduled for the morning hours. Our office opens at 7am and closes at 4pm.
  • Most studies have a visit window which allows for some flexibility when scheduling study visits.

Will there be blood draws at each visit and where will they occur?

  • The majority of studies will require blood work to confirm eligibility and to make sure that it is safe for patients to participate in the trial.
  • All blood work will be conducted onsite by our research team.
  • All visits that require fasting blood draws will be scheduled in the morning.

Do clinical trials go through insurance or will patients have to pay copays?

  • Your insurance will not be billed for any research visits, and all materials and medication are provided by the research study.

Will patients learn at some point what medication they were on and will they be informed of results when the study is over?

  • Yes, the study team will let the site know once all participants have completed the trial at all sites (in the United States and globally) and all data has been collected. The participant will receive a letter afterwards with the information regarding what treatment was received during the study. 

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 recruiter 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.

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