Information Articles
Are you at risk of developing diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of conditions in which blood glucose (BG) levels are elevated. The 3 most common types of diabetes are: DM may lead to serious complications. The best strategy is to try and prevent DM from occurring. Therefore, it is useful to understand who is at risk of developing DM
Dexamethasone Suppression Test
A screening test for Cushing syndrome! Step 1: Go to the lab and get the first set of blood tests around 8-9 am. (Serum ACTH and cortisol level) Step 2: Take one tablet of Dexamethasone (1 mg.) at 11 pm with a snack (this should be done the night before the second blood test and
Diet and Exercise in Diabetes Mellitus
Diet and exercise are the key elements in managing diabetes successfully in the long term. It is important to understand the key elements of a successful strategy. Some of these are: 1. SET REASONABLE GOALS: To keep yourself motivated and avoid frustration, set reasonable goals. Studies show that people who lose weight gradually and steadily have
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-1
Clinical Features and Diagnosis Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of disorders in which blood glucose (BG) levels are higher than normal. Glucose is a simple sugar and is the final single-unit molecule produced as the body digests and breaks down all the carbohydrates. Glucose is then absorbed from small intestines and travels in
Cushing Syndrome
The adrenal gland is a triangular-shaped gland that sits on top of each kidney. Cortisol is one of the key hormones in our body and is made by the adrenal gland. Cortisol production is regulated by multiple steps in the brain. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus makes a hormone called ‘CRH.’ CRH
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 is defined as excess calcium in the urine. It occurs in 5%-10% of the adult population. This excess calcium may come from the intestines,
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. These symptoms may include: Untreated mild cases may cause no symptoms (subclinical hyperthyroidism) but may lead to osteoporosis or heart irregularities. What causes
Adrenal Insufficiency
The human body has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. Adrenal glands normally produce 3 different classes of steroid hormones: Normal adrenal gland hormone production depends on hormonal signals from the pituitary gland, which in turn depends on hormonal signals from the hypothalamus. The pituitary and hypothalamus are glands in the brain. Adrenal insufficiency
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
The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the front of the neck. It is responsible for the formation and secretion of thyroid hormones. Around 90% of the hormone made by the thyroid gland is thyroxine (T4) which is inactive, and 10% is the active thyroid hormone called triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is released
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
Normal insulin release The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen that releases insulin in two ways: What is an insulin pump? Insulin pump therapy is part of the wave of new advances in medical technology that has revolutionized the management of diabetes. Insulin pumps deliver rapid-acting insulin in a manner that closely mimics
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
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
Diabetes Meds – An Overview 2022
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). Type 2 diabetes occurs in people who are generally overweight or inactive and have
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: The first and the most important step in the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is to refer the patient for medical nutritional counseling and diabetes self-management coaching through a certified diabetes educator (CDE). Patient education should address the following topics: Because of an increase in blood volume during pregnancy, normal BG and
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
For many patients, the management of diabetes mellitus can be a complex and often overwhelming task. This is because it involves many different components: planning meals, engaging in regular exercise, blood glucose monitoring, taking medication on time (often coordinating them with a busy life, variable schedules, and, work or home commitments), taking time out for
Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and released into the blood. Insulin helps our body utilize sugar and other starches. In diabetes, blood glucose (BG) levels are high because of the absence of insulin production (type 1 diabetes) or a relative deficiency of insulin plus insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). Diabetes is managed
Insulin Preparations & Insulin Treatment
Insulin is the hormone that helps our body use glucose (sugar). In diabetes, our body is unable to use glucose because of deficiency or ineffectiveness of insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body can make insulin but does not respond to it (called insulin resistance). Treatment
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
The adrenal glands normally produce 3 different hormones – cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). Cortisol helps the body deal with stress and is involved in the regulation of metabolism, blood pressure, and the immune system. Aldosterone plays a vital role in controlling blood pressure and in maintaining normal blood electrolyte levels. DHEA is
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