Patient Information Blogs
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing Syndrome. One of the key hormones, our adrenal gland makes is called “cortisol”. This production is directed by a part of our brain called the hypothalamus which makes a hormone called CRH. CRH “tells” your pituitary gland (the master gland in the brain) to make another hormone called ACTH. ACTH then directs the adrenal
Hypercalciuria
Hypercalciuria. Calcium is an important electrolyte that regulates vital physiologic processes in the body including hormonal secretion, cardiac contraction, and blood clotting. It also helps to grow and repair our skeletons. Hypercalciuria occurs in 5%-10% of the adult population. It is defined as excess calcium in the urine. This excess calcium may come from the
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism. What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When this occurs, body’s metabolism is increased, which can cause a variety of symptoms (anxiety, weakness, tremors, fatigue, perspiring a lot, and rapid heart beat, increased appetite, weight loss, & loose bowel movements). Mild cases may cause
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal Insufficiency. Your body has two adrenal glands. Each gland is located above a kidney. The adrenal gland normally produces 3 different classes of steroid hormones: Glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (mainly aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA). Cortisol helps the body deal with stress and is involved in the regulation of glucose, protein and fat metabolism. It also
Low T levels
Hypogonadism (Deficiency of Testosterone) Hypogonadism is the inability of the testes (testicles) to produce testosterone or sperm or both. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important part in the development and maintenance of typical male masculine characteristics. In adult males, testosterone maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution and bone mass as well. Testosterone
Nutrition – Low iodine diet
Low Iodine Diet Food Group Allowed Not Allowed DAIRY None Ice cream, cheese, milk, yogurt, sour cream EGGS None All egg containing products SEAFOOD None Specially shellfish, kelp, sardines, canned tuna SALT Non-iodized salt Iodized salt, Sea salt MEATS Fresh chicken, turkey or beef Canned, dried, salted, cured meats (sausage, ham, chipped beef,liver, beef stew, bacon,
Radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer (General Information)
Radioiodine Therapy For Thyroid Cancer (General Information) Thyroid cells have the capacity to take up iodine and iodine is essential for the growth and function of thyroid cells. This principle is utilized in radioiodine treatment of thyroid cancers after initial surgery. Radioactive iodine (called I131) can seek out and destroy any remaining thyroid cells (including
Goitre & Thyroid nodules
Goitre & Thyroid Nodules WHAT IS A GOITER? A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland. A goitre can mean that the whole thyroid gland is swollen or enlarged (Simple Goiter), or one or more swellings or lumps develop in part or parts of the thyroid (Nodular Goiter). The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones -called thyroxine
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism Hashimoto’s Disease Hashimoto’s disease is a disease of thyroid gland. This condition occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The disease is about 5 times more common in women than in men. As a result of Hashimoto’s disease, your thyroid gland often can’t make enough thyroid hormone, which results in hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When this occurs, body’s metabolism is increased, which can cause a variety of symptoms (anxiety, weakness, tremors, fatigue, perspiring a lot, and rapid heart beat, increased appetite, weight loss, & loose bowel movements). Mild cases may cause
Nutrition – Diet to lower blood pressure
High Blood Pressure What is high blood pressure & why is it dangerous? High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a condition in which blood pressure remains elevated (generally greater than 140/90). Hypertension increases the work your heart is to perform which can lead to heart damage over time called congestive heart failure. In addition,
High Blood Triglyceride Levels
High Blood Triglyceride Levels Triglycerides (TG) are a type of blood fat. They are called triglycerides because their backbone is a form of glucose called glycerol and 3 fatty acids are attached to this backbone. They may be saturated, unsaturated on both. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fat. Fig 1: Triglyceride structure: We
Nutrition – Tips for Weight Loss & Maintenance
Tips for Weight Loss and Maintenance Post DisclaimerWe are not your healthcare provider, and your use of this website does not establish a patient-client relationship. All the information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice (diagnosis, treatment, testing or nutritional information). Always seek
Insulin Pump Basics
Insulin Pump Basics 1. What is an insulin pump? a. Computerized insulin delivery device b. Delivers insulin similar to the natural pancreas Technology has opened a new area IN diabetes management. Devices such as blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors, and insulin pumps have helped to simplify diabetes management to achieve better outcomes in diabetes
Insulin Preparations & Insulin Treatment
Insulin Preparations & Insulin Treatment Insulin is the hormone that helps our body use glucose (sugar). In diabetes, body is unable to use glucose because of deficiency or ineffectiveness of insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body can not make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body can make insulin but does not respond to
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetes is a chronic and common condition in which blood glucose BG (sugar) level is increased. It can be controlled with diet, exercise, medications or insulin depending on the type of diabetes. Untreated, high BG may damage nerves either directly or because blood supply to the nerves is reduced as a result of
Diabetes Meds – An Overview 2022
Medications for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes (a disease in which blood sugar is high) is a chronic, lifelong condition. Broadly speaking, diabetes can be divided into two types. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system (autoimmune) by mistake. Type 2 diabetes occurs
Diabetes Meds – Trulicity
Trulicity What is Trulicity? Trulicity® (Dulaglutide) is a once-a-week, injectable medicine indicated to manage type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. It mimics the action of GLP-1, and naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels. By binding to and activating the
Diabetes Meds – Ozempic
Ozempic What is Ozempic? Ozempic® (Semagltide) is a once a week, injectable medicine indicated to manage type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. It mimics the action of GLP-1, and naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels. By binding to and
Diabetes Meds – GLP-1 Analogs
Glp-1 & Gip analogs for diabetes treatment (Ozempic®, Trulicity®, bydureon®, rybelsus®) Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which help movement of glucose from our blood into our cells and tissues. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which blood glucose (BG) is higher than normal. This occurs because of insufficient insulin release from the
Diabetes Meds – Metformin
Metformin (Glucophage) Metformin is the most prescribed initial medication for patients with type 2 diabetes, when lifestyle interventions (diet and increased exercise) are not enough to control blood glucose levels (BG). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which help movement of glucose from our blood into our cells and tissues. Diabetes mellitus is
Diabetes Meds – SGLT 2 Inhibitors
SGLT 2 Inhibitors Most diabetes experts now recommend SGLT-2 inhibitors as the first line choice for patients with type 2 diabetes. Compared to most other diabetes medications, and these agents have the unique ability to improve diabetes control & protect the heart and the kidney. These medicines work by promoting excretion of glucose in the
Dietary Guidelines – Gestational Diabetes
Dietary Guidelines – Gestational Diabetes The goal of a gestational diabetes diet plan is to control blood glucose levels, minimizing risks for the mother and child. Consult with your physician or diabetes educator so they can give you advice based on your body’s needs & circumstance, Some basic tips: Avoid: Blood Glucose Goals: Fasting levels
Nutrition -Tips for Weight Loss and Maintenance
Tips for Weight Loss and Maintenance This information is for general knowledge & is not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Post DisclaimerWe are not your healthcare provider, and your use of this website does not establish a patient-client relationship. All the information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is
Sick Day Rules – Type 2 Diabetes
Sick Day Rules – Type 2 Diabetes Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help our body utilize sugar and other starches. In diabetes, blood glucose (BG) levels are high because of absence of insulin production (type 1 diabetes) or deficiency of insulin plus insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is
Sick Day Rules – Type 1 Diabetes
Sick Day Rules for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Insulin Pump Patient When you are sick you may notice that your blood sugars are higher than usual. This is usually a result of your body producing stress hormones to compensate for your illness. You may also experience low blood sugar, perhaps due to decreased
Diabetes Distress
Management of diabetes as a patient can be a complex and often overwhelming task at hand. It involves many factors including regular exercise, food preparation, blood glucose monitoring, medication scheduling and planning, and numerous doctor visits. Incorporating all these elements into daily life can be a challenge. This can lead to frustration and distress which
Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus
Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus (Low Blood Glucose) Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help our body utilize sugar and other starches. In diabetes, blood glucose (BG) levels are high because of absence of insulin production (type 1 diabetes) or deficiency of insulin plus insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). Diabetes is managed by
Insulin Preparations & Insulin Treatment
Insulin Preparations & Insulin Treatment Insulin is the hormone that helps our body use glucose (sugar). In diabetes, the body is unable to use glucose because of deficiency or ineffectiveness of insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body can not make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body can make insulin but does not respond
Nutrition – Diet and Exercise in Diabetes
Lifestyle Changes, Obesity & Diabetes FIBER: Food items with high fibre such as beans, whole grains, fruit with peel and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, carrots and leafy greens are recommended. Look for food with 2.5 or more grams of fibre per serving (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). Fibre slows down absorption and helps stabilize blood
Diabetes Care – Basic Information
Care of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes (a disease-causing high blood sugar) is a chronic, lifelong condition that can lead to various serious complications. These complications include heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, leg amputation, impotence, and blindness. Reasonable control of blood glucose (BG) can help prevent these complications. Type 2 diabetes occurs in people
Adrenal Insufficiency
Your body has two adrenal glands. Each gland is located above a kidney. The adrenal gland normally produces 3 different classes of steroid hormones: Glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (mainly aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA). Cortisol helps the body deal with stress and is involved in the regulation of glucose, protein and fat metabolism. It also affects the
Adrenal Insufficiency instructions for Stress Dosing
What do you do when you’re not feeling well? In a normal person, the adrenal gland produces more hydrocortisone when the body is under physical stress and as well as during severe emotionally stressful situations. If you have adrenal insufficiency, you are not able to do that. This can lead to a variety of symptoms
LAB TESTS & WHAT THEY MEAN
This table outlines some of the common lab tests ordered by endocrinologists & provides some information about them. Test What it means Average/Normal range Creatinine (Cr) A waste product of metabolism: excreted by the kidney: if it is ↑means kidney function is lower. Usually < 1.1 to 1.3 eGFR An estimate of kidney function. Calculated
Hypogonadism (Deficiency of testosterone)
Hypogonadism is the inability of the testes (testicles) to produce testosterone or sperm or both. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important part in the development and maintenance of typical male masculine characteristics. In adult males, testosterone maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution and bone mass as well. Testosterone determines sex drive and
Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When this occurs, the body’s metabolism is increased, which can cause a variety of symptoms (anxiety, weakness, tremors, fatigue, perspiring a lot, and rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, weight loss, & loose bowel movements). Mild cases may cause
Do you have Low T levels? Read this before you start treatment
Testosterone is the male sex hormone and controls normal male sex drive & sperm production. Testosterone also helps maintain bone strength, muscle strength, red blood cell production and physical stamina in men. As you age, your Testosterone level (T Level) gradually declines (~1% per year after age 30-40). It is important to differentiate between the
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes is a chronic and common condition in which blood glucose BG (sugar) level is increased. It can be controlled with diet, exercise, medications or insulin depending on the type of diabetes. Untreated, high BG may damage nerves either directly or because the blood supply to the nerves is reduced as a result of diabetes-related
LOW IODINE DIET
An important part of radioiodine treatment – allows radioiodine to enter thyroid cells (normal or cancerous that were not visible to the surgeon or could not be removed) Generally started 2 weeks before the radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer patients. Usually needs to be continued until the whole-body-scan is completed (7 days after the
Care of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes (a disease-causing high blood sugar) is a chronic, lifelong condition that can lead to a variety of serious complications. These complications include heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, leg amputation, impotence and blindness. Good control of blood glucose (BG) can help prevent these complications. Type 2 diabetes occurs in people who are generally overweight or