Author: Misha Diden

Pediatric Diabetes Research
Posted on by Misha Diden

Parents will be pleased to know that beginning in February, Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TDE) will begin clinical trials for new insulins in children and teens with Type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Tom Blevins, Medical Director of TDE Research explains, “We are excited to finally offer these trials to children and teens with Type 1 diabetes right here in Austin. The goal is to find better treatments and technology to help improve the lives of those children and teens.”

In addition, TDE plans to pursue pediatric device trials, including trials for new glucose sensors……AND……DRUM ROLL…. Closed loop systems (also known as the artificial pancreas).

To find out more about how your child/teen can participate call TDE Research at 512.334.3505 Ext. 1 or visit https://texasdiabetes.com/clinical-trials/ to apply for currently enrolling trials.

People of Austin, what do you think…. Should we pursue further Pediatric (Child/Teen) diabetes research here in Austin? Let’s get the buzz going…..

Ideal Protein Dieter of the Week!
Posted on by Misha Diden

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, the doctors, physician extenders and staff are committed to helping our patients lose weight, maintain weight loss and gain better control of their health. Obesity and carrying excess weight are increasingly common, which can lead to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, Diabetes as well as other health conditions. People with and without Diabetes struggle to lose weight and may have to take multiple medications for medical problems related to the excess weight.

The Ideal Protein protocol offers structured weight loss while supporting muscle mass and understanding of how food affects and is utilized by the body, including what causes fat storage, utilization of stored fat for energy (usually has been by day 4 of the program), improved energy, appetite control and reduced cravings (usually on day 4 or 5). It is proven losing weight can improve blood sugar, cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. While following the Ideal Protein protocol, your pancreas will get a well-deserved break by limiting simple and complex carbs until your weight loss goal is achieved. To learn more about the Ideal Protein protocol visit our website https://texasdiabetes.com/services/weight-loss-programs/.

Doug lost a total of 172 lbs. and is now on phase 2!!  He looks amazing!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Posted on by Misha Diden

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an important cause of menstrual irregularity and androgen excess (elevations in testosterone) in women. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting up to 8% of women overall.  Symptoms often include irregular menstrual cycles, facial hair, thinning hair on the scalp, acne and infertility.   Affected women also tend to carry risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity, diabetes or pre-diabetes and high cholesterol.  Approximately 40-85% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese and carry a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. PCOS is also associated with depression and anxiety, fatty liver and obstructive sleep apnea.Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries–these cysts are not necessarily harmful but are associated with hormonal imbalances that cause the manifestations noted above.

Making a diagnosis of PCOS involves taking a thorough medical history as well as performing a comprehensive physical exam.  If indicated, your doctor may also perform ovarian ultrasound (although this latter test may not be necessary to make the diagnosis), and blood testing to diagnose PCOS.  Once diagnosed, treatment for this disorder should be initiated promptly.   The first recommendation is usually weight loss through healthful dietary changes and daily exercise.  If you are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss will help the manifestations of PCOS.  There are also some medications that can be used to improve metabolic profiles as well as increase fertility by regulating menstrual cycles.  Birth control pills and Metformin are examples of common medications used to treat PCOS.  Hormonal therapies are also used to treat infertility associated with PCOS.

Having PCOS can significantly negatively impact quality of life and as such, should be promptly diagnosed and treated.  Early treatment can help control the symptoms of PCOS and may help prevent long term health problems.

Thyroid Nodules Are Common
Posted on by Misha Diden

Depending on the reference about 7% of incidentally noted thyroid nodules are found to be from thyroid cancer. The increase in imaging procedures (MRI, CT scans, neck ultrasounds) are finding many “incidental” thyroid nodules that we might not have otherwise detected on the physical exam. The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, however, the risk for cancer is real. With the increased detection of thyroid nodules, it is especially important to better identify the true cancer risk of these nodules. This can help us to avoid unnecessary surgery for nodules that are likely benign but cannot be clearly designated as such on the basic pathology report, as well as help to identify nodules that are especially high risk that may warrant a different surgical approach. Here at Texas, Diabetes and Endocrinology, we can offer this genetic analysis of your thyroid cells with samples obtained during the standard thyroid biopsy. We continue to always look forward in your treatment as the science and research of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer becomes ever more focused on genetic analysis.

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