Tag: diabetes

The Basics of Blood Sugar Monitoring  
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Blood glucose monitoring is a key component to effective diabetes management. How high or low your blood sugar is throughout the day can have a direct effect on both your physical and mental well-being. 

If your blood sugar is too low, it can make it difficult to focus and function. If it’s too high, it can not only impact your ability to function in the moment, but over time it may cause damage to your internal organs. This can increase your risk for other health issues such as stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and more.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team of board-certified endocrinologists want to set our diabetes patients up for success by recommending blood sugar monitoring routines that are efficient so that daily life and taking insulin and other medications are as easy as possible. 

Here are some basic reminders for smart blood glucose testing.

When should I check my blood sugar?

General guidelines for when to test your blood sugar levels each day are:

  • First thing in the morning when you wake up before eating or drinking
  • Before eating each meal
  • Roughly two hours after each meal
  • Before bedtime 

Your endocrinologist may give you special instructions on when to test during the day depending on your diabetes diagnosis (Type 1 or Type 2) and insulin protocol. 

How do I check my blood sugar?

The traditional method for checking blood glucose levels is a finger prick to draw blood which is then placed on a special test strip read by a glucose meter. Today there is a newer advancement in gauging blood sugar levels via a CGM, or Continuous Glucose Monitor, that uses a small transmitter under the skin to send real-time readings to a digital device like a phone or computer. 

You and your physician will decide what is the most convenient and effective method for you. A TD&E, we carefully tailor each of our patient’s treatment to their unique individual needs. 

What should my target blood sugar levels be? 

Target blood sugar levels will vary from person-to-person depending on key factors such as:

  • Age
  • Other medical conditions (such as pregnancy) or medications prescribed 
  • Length of your diabetes diagnosis 
  • Cardiovascular condition 

The American Diabetes Association recommends general target ranges as follows (for non-pregnant individuals):

  • Before a meal: 80–130 mg/dL
  • After a meal ( 2 hours): Less than 180 mg/dL

Tracking Your Blood Sugar Levels

You should establish an easy way to track your blood sugar readings every day whether it’s writing them down or entering them digitally so they are easily accessible and can be shared with your doctor whenever needed. Most glucometers are able to record your readings, though memory storage varies depending on the glucometer.

Don’t be discouraged if your readings fluctuate from time-to-time. Things like stress, travel, illness or other medications, and too much or too little physical activity can easily offset your regular blood sugar levels. 

Achieving optimal blood sugar levels every day takes dedication to routine and healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Managing diabetes can be a challenging task, but at TD&E we are here to assist and guide you.

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  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.

Five Tips For Healthier Eating
Posted on by Leslie Branon

You are what you eat as the saying goes. Good nutrition and a balanced diet, along with regular physical activity, go a long way in contributing to your overall health, both physical and mental. 

The benefits of healthy eating are limitless. It helps support strong bones and muscles, boosts immunity, increases brain function, and lowers the potential for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer. 

Our team of board-certified endocrinologists place a great deal of emphasis on smart eating habits as we treat diabetes and help facilitate healthy weight loss for our patients. 

Improving your Diet with Five Tips for Healthier Eating

1. Eat the rainbow. Try to fill up with brightly colored fruits and vegetables at every meal. They provide an endless supply of fiber and nutrients and are an excellent source of hydration as well. 

2. Pay attention to portion sizes. Eat everything in moderation, but reserve your larger portions at each meal for fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. More on healthy food portions can be found here. 

3. Read your food labels. Take a close look at what you’re eating and make sure to scan food labels of what you’re buying. Try to avoid anything with artificial colors/dyes, added sweeteners/sugars, or excessive amounts of sodium, cholesterol, and fats. 

4. Get in the kitchen and get cooking. The healthiest meals are often the ones you prepare at home with your own ingredients knowing exactly what goes into each recipe. Try to prioritize frequent family dinners together (pick fun theme nights or experiment with another culture’s cuisine) and meal prep on the weekends to set you up for success during the busy week ahead. 

5. Sub in the healthy swaps. Whether it’s beans as your main protein for a meatless Monday meal, or opting for a more fiber-filled whole wheat pizza crust, discovering smart and healthy swaps wherever you can is always a plus.  

Finally, if you need direction with your diet or weight loss goals, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Registered dieticians and weight loss professionals are experts at tailoring programs to suit your unique body’s needs.

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we specialize in working with those who need to lose weight in order to manage chronic health conditions, like diabetes. Our weight loss management program offers guidance and support for nutrition education, diet and exercise, and FDA-approved weight loss medications if necessary. 

We are here for you!

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  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 diabetes burnout?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning that it must be managed 24/7 and 365 days a year for those who live with it. If your blood sugar is out of balance, your body will suffer.

The level of detail you must consistently devote to what you eat and drink, and how often, coupled with administering medications and testing your blood can be draining and downright exhausting. 

The sense of feeling overwhelmed about managing this condition in particular so meticulously is known as ‘diabetes burnout,’ or diabetes distress, something that affects one in five diabetics according to the American Diabetes Association.

One of our diabetes experts and board-certified endocrinologists, Dr. Lucy Esteve, shared her thoughts on diabetes burnout in a recent article for Health Central. 

What is diabetes burnout?

“I often tell my patients that diabetes is a full-time, ‘24/7’ job without paid time off,” says Dr. Esteve.  “You must continuously be planning ahead, troubleshooting, and making decisions.” 

The burnout can come from the daily management of the disease itself, but can also be triggered by factors like the financial stress of purchasing insulin and medications, or the social ramifications of not being able to eat in the same manner as family and friends. 

“Even when you do everything “right,” she explains, “you don’t always get the outcome that you want or expect, leading to further frustration.”

What are some signs of diabetes burnout?

Common signs of diabetes burnout may include:

  • Disengagement from or apathy about your diabetes care such as neglecting to test your blood sugars or take insulin shots
  • Missing regular appointments with your endocrinologist or other physicians 
  • Difficulty coping with stress and making rash, unwise food choices that could affect your blood glucose levels
  • Feeling overwhelmed, sad, or angry 
  • Withdrawal from family and friends 

What are some ways to help alleviate diabetes burnout?

Dr. Esteve shares that “I aim to eliminate any feelings of guilt that they (patients) may have for not managing their diabetes perfectly.” 

She urges those who are experiencing this type of distress to reach out to loved ones first, or their caregivers, to let them know how they’re feeling and to:

  • Seek help from your endocrinologist or other medical professionals, such as dieticians, physical therapists, or psychologists
  • Find a support group with other diabetics so that you can lean on each other for encouragement 
  • Speak with your endocrinologist about streamlining your medications and blood testing routine so that it is as easy to manage as possible
  • Try to balance other stresses in life, like family or work obligations, with activities or hobbies that bring you personal joy and peace, as a little self care goes a long way!

Finally, remember that you are not alone on this health journey to manage your diabetes. Please reach out to someone you trust, including our team at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

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  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 and Heart Disease  
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Approximately every 33 seconds someone in the United States dies from some form of heart disease, and those who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease than others. 

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, encompasses the many conditions that could damage your heart, the aorta, or its vast network of surrounding blood vessels, veins and arteries. Heart disease typically prevents blood from flowing effectively in and out of the heart.  

If left untreated, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

What is the connection between diabetes and heart disease? 

High glucose levels and high blood pressure, both associated with diabetes, can lead to damaged blood vessels over time and cause wear and tear on the heart muscle.  People with diabetes also tend to have high cholesterol levels which lead to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) which restricts blood flow. 

Since February is American Heart Month, our team of board-certified endocrinologists aims to ensure that all of our patients are aware of the potential risk for heart disease, while becoming educated on how to prevent it.

What are symptoms of heart disease?

Some common symptoms to watch out for that may be signs of heart disease include: 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain, also known as angina, or chest tightness or pressure
  • A slowed heartbeat
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Chronic pain or numbness in your arms
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or upper back

How is heart disease diagnosed?

If you notice any of these symptoms, and you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease (such as a family history), it is important to get examined right away.

Diagnostic tests that your doctor may use to determine if you are suffering from heart disease are:

  • An electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Stress test
  • Cardiac CT scan or MRI

At TD&E, we offer heart disease prevention services and diagnostics such as Advanced Lipid Panel Testing and Coronary Artery Calcium Tests. 

We will always work in close conjunction with your cardiologist to create the best treatment plan for both your heart health and diabetes. 

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  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.

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