Author: Leslie Branon

managing diabetes in college
Ten Tips for Managing Diabetes at College 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Navigating the complexities of college life is a challenge in itself, but for students managing diabetes, the journey comes with an added layer of responsibility. Balancing classes, social activities, and personal care can seem overwhelming, yet it is entirely possible to thrive with the right strategies in place. 

Here are some tips our endocrinology experts share for managing diabetes on campus and away from home:

Ten Tips for Managing Diabetes at College

1.         Touch base with your regular endocrinologist before leaving and make sure your recommended protocol and prescriptions are all current.  

2.         Locate your campus health center as soon as you arrive so you know where to head for minor complications or emergencies.  

3.         Bring along a mini fridge for your dorm room to store medications/insulin, juices, and several healthy snacks to have on hand.

4.         Share your condition with your roommate(s) so they’re aware of your diabetes and let them know who to contact in case of an emergency. 

5.         Find a local pharmacy that can fill your prescriptions as needed or set up automatic refills to be shipped directly to you. 

6.         Put a medical alert message or symbol on your phone’s screensaver.

7.         Add family or friend’s contact numbers to your phone under ICE (In Case of Emergency).

8.         Grant remote access to your parents via digital glucose monitors and sensors so that they can help keep you on track from home (and it may help ease their anxieties of knowing how you’re doing). 

9.         Do your best to get some movement and exercise each day to keep blood flowing and blood sugars balanced. 

10.       Be cautious with alcohol use (and know your limitations), which can cause serious blood sugar spikes and impair your cognitive abilities. 

Finding Diabetes Support on Campus

Once away at school, be sure to know what health resources (both mental and physical) are available to help you on campus. Being in a healthy state with your mind and body will help you to better succeed as a student and make the most of your college experience.

Check out the College Diabetes Network to see if your school has a support group on campus, or visit The Diabetes Link that serves as an excellent resource for college students and young adults as they embark out on their own. 

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.

Spotlight on Obesity Clinical Research Trials
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Clinical research trials test the effectiveness of a new treatment or therapy on volunteer patients during a development phase before being introduced to the public. 

Participating in clinical research trials is an integral part of our practice and provides Central Texans an opportunity to receive new and promising treatment and/or cutting edge technology.

Research participants do not have to be a current Texas Diabetes patient to enroll in a clinical trial and we are actively recruiting patients for obesity studies – both those with diabetes and those without diabetes. 

There is no cost for participation, and the provided medications and study-related labs and exams are free. In addition, most studies will compensate patients for their time and travel.

Obesity Clinical Research 

Our board-certified endocrinologists have served as principal investigators in obesity trials over the past decade to help patients with their weight loss management. Obesity is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes, heart disease or respiratory issues.

“We see research as a very important part of what we do at Texas Diabetes,” says endocrinology expert Dr. Thomas Blevins. “We are currently studying the next generation of obesity agents just as we studied the GLP-1 agonists that are available today.”

Dr. Blevins recently served as a co-author for a published study on a promising innovative obesity agent called Oforglipron.

“We are now offering a new obesity trial for an investigational drug that is being developed as a chronic weight management treatment,” explains Dr. Blevins. “To qualify for this study, participants must be living with obesity and have at least one weight-related health issue other than type 2 diabetes.”

Anyone interested in learning more about this study can contact our research department to learn more. 

Patient Success with TD&E Research Trials 

One TD&E patient who has participated in obesity clinical research is 61-year-old Carla. Three years ago, she was prediabetic and wanted help managing her weight, so she opted to participate in a three-year study that involved weekly shots, counting calories, and working with a TD&E study coordinator and registered dietician to help her reach her goals.

She completed the clinical research trial in December 2023 with the following positive results:

  • Shedding 130 pounds
  • Losing her prediabetic status
  • Eliminating her blood pressure medicine 

TD&E applauds Carla for her diligent efforts to tackle weight loss while contributing to the greater advancement of medicine and science! 

She encourages other patients looking for additional ways to improve their condition to take the first step by contacting TD&E to see what clinical research trials are available.

“The Texas Diabetes research team was my greatest cheerleader,” shares Carla. “Someone was always available to help keep track of my health and advise me every step of the way.”

To those who sign up for clinical studies, Dr. Blevins thanks them and says, “we are indebted to the patients who volunteer to take part in our research trials at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology.” 

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 complications
Decreasing Your Risk for Diabetes Complications 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The CDC estimates that more than 29 million American adults are currently living with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body makes and processes glucose, or blood sugar. While it is possible to lead a very full and active life with diabetes if your diet and medications/insulin are carefully managed, there is still the potential for serious complications to occur. 

What are some common diabetes complications? 

Diabetes complications usually develop gradually over time with the disease. It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels vigilantly and stay on track regarding regular check-ups with your endocrinologist.

Some of the most common diabetes complications that our endocrinology experts see include: 

  • Heart disease: diabetics are twice as more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke than others due to damaged blood vessels and nerves surrounding the heart 
  • Kidney disease: elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to chronic kidney disease, the need for dialysis, and even kidney failure 
  • Blindness and eye issues: diabetes can also damage blood vessels in the eye/retina (diabetic retinopathy) 
  • Neuropathy: diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is pain or numbness that stems from blood vessels and nerves (typically in the legs and feet) lacking sufficient oxygen or nutrients hijacked by high blood sugar 
  • Non-healing foot and leg ulcers: sores and infections that appear on the legs or feet due to poor circulation and elevated glucose levels can be hard to treat and may lead to amputation in extreme cases

If you notice signs or symptoms of any of these diabetes complications, speak with your endocrinologist right away about solutions to treat and manage them effectively. 

Decreasing Your Risk for Diabetes Complications

Along with keeping regularly scheduled appointments with your physician, and taking medications/insulin as instructed, here are five other ways to help prevent from developing severe diabetes complications: 

1.         Follow a healthy diet of lean proteins, brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. 

2.         Exercise regularly and aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. 

3.         Maintain a healthy weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) and speak to your doctor about what that optimal weight should be. 

4.         Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and make sure they are within healthy and normal ranges. 

5.         Stop smoking to avoid additional damage to your heart and lungs beyond what high blood sugar levels may already contribute. 

With proper management, and prompt attention to any symptoms you are experiencing, you can keep your diabetes complications to a minimum.

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

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinology specialists in Austin or Round Rock 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 clinical research
Clinical Research Trials at Texas Diabetes
Posted on by Leslie Branon

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, we are dedicated to advancing medical therapies through rigorous clinical research trials. Our research department aims to test new and promising treatments before they become widely available, providing a vital service to both the medical community and our patients. 

What are clinical research trials? 

Clinical research works to advance medical or device therapies by testing new and potential treatments before they are available to the public. 

At TD&E, we offer many clinical research trials for patients to participate in if interested. 

Our research goals at TD&E are to (1) help with the advancement of new therapies and devices, and (2) to improve a patient’s quality of life by offering new and alternative therapies to which they might not otherwise have access. 

Here’s what you should know about voluntary participation in clinical research trials we offer at TD&E Research.  

What is the benefit to the patient for participating in clinical research trials? 

Clinical trials give patients an opportunity to help with the advancement of medications, devices, and innovative ways to treat different conditions and diseases. Participation in a clinical research trial also affords patients a unique opportunity to learn more about their condition and take an active role in their health. 

Are all patients eligible to participate in TD&E clinical research trials? 

Patients must first meet specific inclusion criteria to participate in a clinical trial. 

What are the additional requirements for participating in a trial? 

Clinical research trials often require additional procedures beyond what is included in your regular care such as more lab work (blood and urine samples), ECGs, questionnaires, dietician consultations, and visits with our clinical research team. Patients will be asked to keep in close contact with our office if they experience any medical or health issues associated with their new trial treatment.

How much time do research visits typically take?

Research visits can take approximately one to three hours depending on the type of visit and requirements needed for the study. 

How long do research trials usually last?

The time period for clinical trials varies, but they can last anywhere from a singular, one-time visit up to five years depending on the data needed. 

Is there a cost associated with participating in a clinical research trial at TD&E?

There is no cost to our patients for their participation, and most studies will compensate for the time and travel for completing required visits and procedures. 

Clinical Trials at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology Research

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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