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.
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Prediabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. One of the most impactful changes you can make to prevent the progression to diabetes is adopting a healthy and balanced diet.
Endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Keta Pandit shares her expertise on which types of foods are best for prediabetes with The Checkup. Dr. Pandit says “a diet rich in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and heavy on greens are the most ideal dietary practices.”
In the article, Dr. Pandit explains prediabetes warning signs and the importance of a comprehensive lifestyle modification program for people with prediabetes. You can read the article here.
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.
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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. While medical treatments and lifestyle changes, including diet, play a crucial role in managing the condition, exercise is also a vital component in the fight against Type 2 diabetes.
In a Parade article, Texas Diabetes endocrinologist Dr. Ishita Prakash Patel explains the exercise-diabetes connection and which workout routines are recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Patel recommends following the American Diabetes Association’s guideline of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. “Ideally, it is good to have a consistent regimen of at least 30 minutes of exercise a day,” Dr. Patel says.
Always remember to work closely with your healthcare team to create an exercise plan that suits your individual needs and goals.
Read the article to learn what type of exercise is best for people with diabetes.
For more information on diabetes management and taking control of your health, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified endocrinologists by requesting an appointment online or call (512) 458-8400.
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At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we treat people who have Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Our entire team is up to date with the latest treatment options available including nutrition, lifestyle, and other alternatives in addition to conventional treatments.
There is growing concern in the health care community about the continued misuse of the diabetes drug Ozempic and resulting shortage.
The drug Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) was introduced in the market in 2017. It is one of the first line medications to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic slows down the absorption of food, causes the body to produce insulin and suppresses appetite. As a result, weight loss is common when taking the drug. However, the FDA has not approved it for this use. Furthermore, when patients get off the medication, weight is often regained because there has been no change in lifestyle habits such as diet or exercise and reversal of above stated mechanisms occur.
Over the last year, Ozempic has gained a lot of popularity because of its effect on weight loss, which has led to it’s misuse for short term gains.
Obesity is a chronic disease and hence a medication used to treat it should always be considered for the long term and as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions of modified diet and exercise. Semaglutide was approved under the brand name of Wegovy for patients with clinical obesity, however, the dose strength and titrations are different from Ozempic and most importantly, patients regain weight when they stop the medication.
There are also several negative side effects of these medications which need to be considered which include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Inflammation of the pancreas (especially if mixed with alcohol or if someone has high triglyceride levels)
Gallbladder disease
Some association with thyroid cancer in animal studies
We have continued our efforts in working with our patients to get them their Ozempic prescriptions, but many a times patients have had to reduce their dose or even go without if they can’t find it. Ozempic also comes in different doses and should be taken only with the guidance of a medical care provider.
Watch Dr. Kajal Shah discuss the Ozempic shortage on KVUE News Austin.
Personalized Diabetes Treatment
Our team of board certified endocrinologists and certified diabetes care and education specialists are dedicated to making diabetes easier to manage on a day to day basis. We offer a full range of diabetes services including:
NextStepMD weight management program
Insulin pumps
Continuous glucose monitoring
Participation in clinical research trials for diabetes treatment
If you’d like to learn more about our full range of diabetes services, please call Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology 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 with helpful wellness and health information.
