Tag: weight loss

Who are the key participants in a clinical research trial? 
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Today’s clinical research trials could lead to tomorrow’s most promising treatments and cures. 

Clinical research trials test new forms of medical intervention (such as drugs or a procedure) in order to advance the care for so many serious conditions, like diabetes which we treat here at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E). 

At TD&E, we have been dedicated to actively participating in clinical research for the past decade, and we offer a variety of trials for patients to pursue in areas of Diabetes, Thyroid, Osteoporosis, PCOS, Cholesterol, and Obesity/Weight Loss. 

Our goal with clinical research trials at TD&E is first and foremost to improve the quality of lives of our patients.

Who are the key participants in a clinical research trial?

In addition to the patients, other key members of a clinical trial team include the principal investigator and the sponsor. 

Here’s a closer look at each of these roles: 

Patients: they are the ones who volunteer to experience/test out a new technology that shows promise in improving a certain condition or disease. They benefit from participating in clinical research trials by 1) having access to new treatments that are not yet available to the public, 2) playing a more active role in their own health by getting a really in-depth view of what they are suffering from, and 3) they are typically compensated for their time spent in the study and traveling to and from a doctor’s office. 

Principal Investigators: the principal investigator (or PI) is a doctor, or another member of the practice’s medical team, who leads the research efforts and monitors the patients’ medical results, experience, and feedback. 

At TD&E, the following members of our team of board-certified endocrinologists and medical professionals serve as PIs for our clinical research trials:

Central Austin Principal Investigators:

Round Rock Principal Investigators:

South Austin Principal Investigators:

Sponsor: the sponsor is responsible for initiating and funding the trial. It may be an individual doctor, company, or medical school/institution. Once the trial is completed and the data is compiled from the patients and PI, the sponsor works to take the new treatment or technology to the public sector so that others may benefit from it. 

How can I participate in a clinical research trial at TD&E?

More about our research trials can be found here. Please let your endocrinologist know you are interested in participating in our program and they can discuss with you which currently enrolling trials would be the most beneficial to you and your particular condition. 

We are always extremely grateful to our patients who consider volunteering their time to help us in the advancement of scientific research. 

Endocrine Research in Austin, TX

You can learn more about our research department and currently enrolling clinical trials here. Please feel free to contact us at (512) 334-3505, option 4, to speak to a research coordinator about our enrolling studies.

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 are the benefits of weight loss and weight loss management?
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The benefits of weight loss and then maintaining a healthy weight are countless. 

Your circulation and blood pressure will improve, muscles and joints will be more flexible, cholesterol levels will stabilize, better sleep is possible, blood sugar levels will become more balanced, and the list goes on…

The CDC estimates that if you lose just 5-10% of your body weight, you will benefit from it in so many ways. 

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, our team of endocrinology experts treat diabetes, thyroid issues, osteoporosis, and promote heart disease prevention.

We are highly invested in helping our diabetes patients to lose any excess body weight to better manage their blood sugar levels and their overall health. Lowering your body weight will encourage the pancreas to work more efficiently to keep up with insulin production and help sustain healthy blood sugar levels. 

One of our advanced practice providers, Brandy Wellmon PA-C, CDCES, contributed to an article about weight loss and blood sugars. 

Wellmon says that “the most important aspect of a successful weight loss program is that it must be tolerable to the patient so that the changes are lifelong.”

Experts and research suggest that making adjustments to your diet and adding regular exercise to your daily routine are the main factors that contribute to successful weight loss.

Wellmon shares that she tells patients not to expect significant weight loss until they have sustained the changes for at least three months. 

Ways to help with your dieting and weight loss goals include:

  • Seeking professional guidance from a nutritionist and/or physical trainer
  • Setting realistic goals that you can achieve and sustain over the long term
  • Staying positive, working consistently, and trying not to compare your weight loss journey to someone else’s

Research does show that weight loss medications can help in extreme cases when diet and exercise have failed, but these should be taken strictly under the supervision of your physician and as directed. 

Wellmon warns that there could be risk in losing weight too fast as well if not done safely.  

“Losing too much weight can lead to excessive or rapid bone loss, increasing risk of osteoporosis,” she says. “Also, extreme weight loss or losing it too quickly can have an adverse effect on hormones.”

In the race to lose weight, remember that a slow and steady pace often wins. Make smart choices to facilitate your unique weight loss goals that you will be able to stick to and sustain. Your body will thank you for the many benefits associated with these efforts to maintain a healthy weight for years to come.  

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes 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 and other endocrinology services 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.