Tag: diabetes management

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are skilled professionals that play a critical role in our practice to ensure patients receive high quality, comprehensive care.
What is an Advanced Practice Provider?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are skilled professionals that play a critical role in our practice to ensure patients receive high quality, comprehensive care. Our endocrinologists work with Physician Assistants (PA), Nurse Practitioners (NP), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), who all have extensive training and offer a patient-centered approach that focuses on preventive care, education and overall wellness.

What is the difference between the various types of APPs? 

A Physician Assistant has a master’s degree and works in collaboration with a licensed physician, providing almost all services as a physician. A Nurse Practitioner has earned both a bachelor of science in nursing and a master of science in nursing degree prior to undergoing a certification exam and applying for a NP license. A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a graduate-level registered nurse who is certified in a specialty. Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists can both diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and order and interpret medical tests.

What is a Certified Diabetes Educator? 

At Texas Diabetes, all of our advanced practice providers are also Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), who educate, support, and advocate for people impacted by diabetes. CDEs must have clinical diabetes experience and training and pass a national exam to become credentialed. Our APPs have comprehensive knowledge and experience in diabetes prevention, prediabetes and diabetes management. 

APPs at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology

The APPs at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology have had rigorous clinical training, are licensed by the State of Texas, and can prescribe medication. Most of our new diabetes patients will have their initial visit with an APP who will spend time with you getting a thorough health history, reviewing lab results, and devising an appropriate treatment plan. Our number one goal is to educate and support you on your journey and be there every step of the way to help you manage your condition.  

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible team of APPs, including:

  • Amanda Bonazzi, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CDCES
  • Ashley Davila, MSN, ACNS-BC, Clinical Lipid Specialist
  • Azaret Villeda, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
  • Ben Pagano, MSN, ACNS-BC, CDE
  • Brandy Wellmon, PA-C, CDCES
  • Carmen Addington, MSN, FNP, CDCES
  • Carrie Barlow, PA-C, CDCES,
  • Emily Simon, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CDCES
  • Jessica Ribeiro, RN, MSN, FNP, CDCES
  • Kim Jones, MSN, FNP, CDCES
  • Rachel Kohls, MSN, AGCNS-BC, CDCES
  • Sarah King, MSN, FNP-C, CDCES
  • Tracy Chan, MSN, FNP, CDCES

If you’d like to learn more about our full range of endocrine 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 helpful wellness and health information.

Dr. Patel for Parade: What Exercise is Best for Type 2 Diabetes
Posted on by Leslie Branon

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. 

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.

continuous glucose monitors
Continuous Glucose Monitors: Everything You Need to Know
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology provides real-time glucose readings to people with diabetes. CGMs help diabetics track their glucose levels throughout the day and make informed decisions about their food, exercise, and medication intake. This advancement in technology can make living with diabetes easier to manage. 

What are continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)? 

A CGM is a small device that uses a sensor placed under the skin to check blood glucose levels every 5-15 minutes, providing real-time updates to a receiver or smartphone app. 

Benefits of CGMs

CGMs offer many benefits for people with diabetes to help them live more independently. Board certified endocrinologist Dr. Srujana Yada says the real-time updates on blood sugar trends can not only provide guidance on treatment decisions, but also help patients make healthy choices. 

“CGMs can tell patients how their blood sugar changes when eating different kinds of foods,” says Dr. Yada. “This can help them make appropriate changes in their diet and create an even more personalized treatment plan.”

CGMs can also help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). 

“Patients are notified by an alarm when they have high or low glucose levels, which helps them make treatment decisions rather than waiting too long,” explains Dr. Yada.

The instant data from CGMs can also improve patient care. “It helps doctors to see where exactly the blood sugars are running high – either fasting or mealtime sugars – and lets us change the regimen accordingly. CGMs help improve HbA1c and reduce variability.”

Who should have a CGM?

Patients who are candidates for a CGM include:

  • All type 1 diabetes patients;
  • Type 2 diabetes patients who are on multiple insulin injections; and
  • Patients with hypoglycemic unawareness.

Patients who are not on insulin do not need a CGM.

Continuous glucose monitors are a valuable tool for people with diabetes. If you’re interested in learning more, talk with your doctor to decide if it is right for you.

Consult with an Endocrinologist in Austin, TX

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we are committed to helping people gain better control of their health and working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that work best for their lifestyle. To schedule an appointment with one of our board certified endocrinologist, call (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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