Texas Diabetes

Heart Disease and the T2D Connection

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Leslie Branon

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than non-diabetics.

In fact, the American Heart Association recently issued its Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics for 2023 which found that one in three adults in the U.S. have three or more risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and/or kidney disease. This supports the likelihood that if you have diabetes, you may also be prone to heart disease.

How does diabetes contribute to heart disease?

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the heart, leading to deterioration and serious damage over time.

Texas Diabetes team of endocrinology specialists can not only help manage your diabetes, but we can monitor your heart health and assess your risk for cardiovascular disease too.

Our endocrinology experts recommend several tips to both manage your diabetes and support a healthy heart.

Five Tips to Manage Diabetes While Supporting Heart Health

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Discuss your goal weight with your physician for optimal health and remember that steady and gradual weight loss is the safest route.

2. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise, at least 150 minutes per week for adults, helps boost circulation and lower blood glucose levels. Find a sport or active hobby that you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it!

3. Follow a heart healthy diet. Eat right-sized portions and try using the Diabetes Plate Method to guide your meals. Load up on brightly colored, non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

4. Look after your mental health. Effectively managing stress can help keep hormones and blood pressure in check, both of which lead to better diabetes management and heart health. Find things that help you to unwind, like walks, reading, meditation, or warm baths, and build them into your daily schedule as you would any other important activity.

5. Take medications as prescribed. Make sure you are taking all of your diabetes medications and insulin as directed by your physician to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And stay on top of all your numbers that you should be regularly monitoring, such as your A1C, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure.

In addition to managing your diabetes, we can help assess your risk for cardiovascular disease so that we can best determine your treatment.

Heart Disease Prevention at TD&E

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, we conveniently offer cardiovascular risk assessment testing in our clinics which includes:

Advanced Lipid Test: this diagnostic evaluates more than traditional testing (cholesterol, LDL & HDL) in order to measure abnormal lipid levels that are often missed
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test: this is a non-invasive procedure similar to an X-ray that detects calcium/plaque in the arteries that feed your heart which can help diagnose coronary artery disease before showing signs or symptoms

Our physicians and advanced practice providers are trained in lipidology and have extensive experience in treating cholesterol disorders.

Contact Us Today to Learn about Managing Diabetes and Preventing Heart Disease

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes treatment and heart prevention services can help you, 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.

hormone therapy for thyroid disease in seniors

Dr. Jean Chen on Over Treating the Thyroid and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Leslie Branon

The thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck that produces hormones which help control several different organ systems. If it’s either underactive (hypothyroidism), or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it could cause serious health issues such as weight changes, fatigue, anxiety/depression, or osteoporosis and may require medication to help better regulate it.

New research shows though that some hormone medications used to treat thyroid conditions, if administered in excess, may contribute to cognitive disorders in older adults.

This particular study evaluating more than 65,000 patients appeared recently in the JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association and showed that those 65 years and older who received thyroid hormone therapy were at an increased risk for developing dementia and other cognitive issues, especially those who were aggressively dosed.

Our endocrinology experts at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology treat many hormonal issues, including those affecting the thyroid. One of our board-certified endocrinology specialists, Dr. Jean Chen, shared her thoughts on this study for an article in Medscape.

The article stressed the importance of being vigilant when dosing hormone therapy for older adults to avoid the cognitive consequences of overtreatment.

“Taking a cautious approach to prescribing thyroid hormone therapy for older patients is

paramount,” said Dr. Chen. “All medical providers need to be aware that the 65 and older population does not need to be treated as aggressively with their thyroid hormone.”

“We are finding more and more complications from overtreatment rather than benefit in this (senior) population.”

Dr. Chen also explained that symptoms of hyperthyroidism can often mimic those of another condition, so it is important to obtain a thorough diagnosis from a primary care physician before automatically adopting any hormone therapies. Our endocrinologists frequently work in close collaboration with other care providers to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to suit your personal needs.

Thyroid Specialists in Austin

Our team of endocrinology specialists is experienced at diagnosing and treating all issues affecting the thyroid including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. We provide convenient thyroid ultrasound imaging and biopsy procedures on-site in our clinics and will work with you to formulate the most effective treatment plan possible.

Contact Us Today to Learn More about Managing Your Diabetes and Hormones

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and discover how our comprehensive endocrinology services can help you, 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 with helpful wellness and health information.

Texas Diabetes Endocrinologists Named to Texas Monthly Super Doctors 2023 List

Posted on December 12, 2023December 12, 2023 by Leslie Branon

It is an honor to recognize Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology physicians that have once again been included on the Super Doctors and Super Doctors Rising Stars list for 2023, published in Texas Monthly magazine.

Each year, MSP Communications honors approximately 5 percent of physicians from across the state as Super Doctors based on evaluation of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Doctors Rising Stars recognition is given to no more than 2.5 percent of physicians who exhibit exceptional promise in their field and have been practicing for ten years or less.

Texas Diabete’s 2023 Super Doctors are:

2023 Super Doctors Rising Stars are:

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, we take a personalized approach to patient care. Our board certified endocrinologists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all disorders of the endocrine system.

The services we offer at our locations in Round Rock, Central Austin and South Austin include:

Diabetes
Thyroid Disorders
Osteoporosis
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Lipid Disorders
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Pituitary and Adrenal Conditions
Obesity Medicine
Transgender Hormone Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Endocrine Research

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.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you with helpful health and wellness information.

Diabetes and Holiday Eating: Tips to Stay on Track

Posted on November 18, 2023November 18, 2023 by Leslie Branon

The holiday season, and its festive foods, are often the highlight of the year for many people. For those with diabetes though, it can be extra challenging.

Research from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association shows that half of those who have Type 2 diabetes feel that managing it during the holidays is more stressful than any other time of year.

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, our team of board-certified endocrinologists are dedicated to helping our patients learn best practices for managing their diabetes and gain better control of their health, even during the holidays.

Our diabetes experts recommend planning ahead to help your glucose levels stay at a healthy level during the upcoming holiday season.

How can I manage my diabetes during the holidays?

1. Always eat a smart breakfast. Then make a calculated plan to balance your food intake for the rest of the day ahead, and plan accordingly if you will be eating at later times than usual to prevent low sugar episodes.

2. Get a workout in during the morning and take a walk at night. A workout earlier in the day will help to boost circulation and improve insulin sensitivity, allowing for easier management in the hours to follow. A nighttime walk at the end of the day after a big meal will also help to ease digestion.

3. Track your carbohydrate intake. There are many handy and helpful charts and trackers to help you gauge exactly what your carb intake is according to what foods you eat for each holiday, such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas (courtesy of the JDRF). Find one that you like and stick to it for the next few months.

4. Know what you are eating. Don’t be afraid to ask your relative, host, or restaurant what ingredients (such as sugar, butter and cream) are in the foods you are eating, and how much! This knowledge can help you adjust your portions, or avoid some dishes, accordingly. Or, offer to bring your own low-carb, low-sugar version of something that will be served to share with others.

5. Consume alcohol in moderation and watch out for sugary mixers. Festive holiday cocktails are often loaded with sugary mixers such as juices and syrups. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach as this can also cause your blood sugar to drop, and always drink responsibly.

6. Test your glucose levels often. Keep as close to your regular testing schedule as possible, and anticipate potential blood sugar spikes and have a plan for when they occur.

Bring plenty of stabilizing snacks along and your insulin and other medications if traveling. You never know when travel delays may occur, and you’ll want to be prepared.

All that said, don’t forget to enjoy the holidays and those special festive treats when you can, and know that with a little planning and willpower you are able to get back on track with the next day and the next meal.

Contact Us Today to Learn More about Managing Your Diabetes

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes treatment services can help you, contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.