Category: Diabetes

type 1 diabetes tips
Navigating Life with Type 1 Diabetes and Tips for Those Newly Diagnosed 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

An estimated 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. As endocrinology specialists, we are often the first healthcare provider to diagnose a patient with diabetes. This National Diabetes Awareness Month, we asked one of our patients, 57-year-old Connie Chitwood-Vu, to share valuable advice for those newly diagnosed with this challenging condition.

Connie has lived with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) since she was just eight years old. As she approaches the 50th anniversary of her diagnosis, Connie has seen first-hand the advancements in diabetes technology and how it can dramatically change a patients approach to diabetes management. 

A Supportive Foundation

Growing up, Connie’s pediatrician also had T1D and provided her with an understanding of what it meant to live with diabetes. Connie was inspired by her experiences and passionate about helping others with T1D. She pursued a career in nutrition, becoming a registered dietitian and obtaining her diabetes certification.  Now, Connie supports patients and practices as a durable medical equipment supplier, specializing in diabetes devices. 

After moving to Georgetown in 2005, Connie became a patient at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and has since built a relationship with the practice as both a patient and a professional. 

“I’ve always been impressed with Texas Diabetes and their commitment to offering the latest diabetes technology and advancing treatment through clinical research,” said Connie. 

Tips for Those Newly Diagnosed

Connie understands that being diagnosed with T1D can be overwhelming, so she offers these essential tips for newly diagnosed individuals:

  1. Find an Endocrinologist: Building a strong healthcare team is crucial. A specialist has the expertise to help you achieve your glucose targets with the correct medications and dosages.
  2. Learn About Available Technology: Insulin pumps, connected insulin pens, and CGMs can be your allies. These tools can simplify life with diabetes, making it far more manageable than it would be without them.
  3. Focus on Healthy Eating: Incorporating whole foods, rather than processed foods, into your meals and avoiding sugary drinks can make a big difference in managing blood sugar levels.
  4. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is important for managing diabetes, weight, and heart health. Connie’s personal goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day!
  5. Stay Informed: The world of diabetes is constantly evolving. Be open to learning about new developments and treatments to make informed decisions about your care.

Connie hopes to inspire others living with T1D to embrace their journey, seek support, and leverage technology to lead healthier lives.

Consult with an Endocrinology Specialist at Texas Diabetes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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