Helping people gain better

More than 37 million US adults have diabetes, and Texas has a higher rate of residents living with the condition (11.1 percent) when compared to the national average of 8.5 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, we are sharing the latest diabetes research and offering solutions for patients at risk for and living with Type 2 diabetes.

New research shows those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are expected to live six years less than those who don’t live with diabetes. For those diagnosed under the age of 30, their life expectancy is reduced by 14 years, according to recent studies released by Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Similar findings are reported out of two additional sources, the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and the UK Biobank, citing every decade earlier that Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed, life expectancy was reduced by three to four years.

This alarming information emerges at the same time the CDC is reporting the number of diagnoses of young people is on the rise, and the agency projects that rate will only continue to increase in the future.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Prevention

Endocrinologist Kajal Shah, M.D. says it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes, including:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history
• Being of minority origin
• Prediabetes
• High blood pressure and cholesterol

“Early intervention and treatment of diabetes can be the answer,” Dr. Shah says. “We’ve seen patients have success with intensive glucose therapy and simple lifestyle changes.”

Dr. Shah encourages anyone with these risk factors to work closely with their doctor to develop a plan to prevent or effectively manage the disease.

To prevent diabetes, our team of endocrinologists recommend the following healthy habits: 

• Maintain a healthy weight 
• Stay active
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Control blood pressure

At Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, our team of board certified endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators, and health coaches are focused on your health. We offer a personalized approach and a full range of diabetes services including a medically managed NextStepMD weight loss program, medications, clinical trials, continuous glucose monitoring, and insulin pumps. 

For more information on a personalized approach to diabetes management, 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. 

Dr. Rachel Thibodeaux, D.O. has announced her departure from Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A. effective  September 1, 2023. Because of this, she is no longer taking new patients. Dr. Thibodeaux will greatly miss her patients and the relationships that she has forged during her time at TDE. 

Her number one priority in this transition is for patients to continue to receive excellent personalized medical care, and she is confident that all of her patients will be in exceptional hands with the Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A.

Dr. Thibodeaux’s patients’ medical records will remain with Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.A. If you require a copy of your records, you may contact the office at (512) 458-8400, option 5 or email medicalrecords@texasdiabetes.com.

Dr. Thibodeaux wishes all her patients continued good health and happiness.

School routines are back in motion, making what our children eat even more important for their energy and performance. Sadly, there’s a childhood obesity epidemic taking place in our country. Nearly 15 million children and adolescents are considered obese. This means that our kids now have chronic conditions that were once exclusive to adults, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea.

Texas Diabetes NextStepMD health coach, Heather Andrews works with clients and says parents can play a huge role in lowering these statistics by packing nutritious lunches and snacks that contain protein, fruits and vegetables. This will help your students stay focused and energized throughout the school day.

Heather says to avoid foods high in preservatives or additives. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research shows some food additives may impact a child’s hormones, growth, development and raise the risk of obesity.

Here are some easy meal ideas and recipes that Heather recommends for lunches, as well as dinner suggestions for busy parents:
 
Step 1: Pick a protein & starch
(Peanut butter & jelly sandwich, cheese quesadilla, turkey or ham sandwich, chicken & rice, pasta & chicken or turkey)
 
Step 2: Pick a fruit
(Apple, blueberries, strawberries, halo oranges, grapes)
 
Step 3: Pick a veggie
(Carrots, celery, snap peas, cucumbers, dill pickles, lettuce & tomatoes & matchstick carrots)
 
Step 4: Pick a snack
(Yogurt, string cheese, cubed cheese, granola bar)

Recipe Ideas:

• Hummus Dippers: Pita Bread (cut into triangles, Hummus, celery sticks & baby carrots)
• BBQ Chicken Dippers: Diced grilled chicken & BBQ sauce
• Berry Yogurt Parfait: Vanilla Yogurt, Graham Crackers, Strawberries & Blueberries

For dinners:

• Easy Chicken Fajitas
• Italian Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
• One Pot Fajita Pasta
• For more information about our NextStepMD weight loss program and healthy, nutritious recipes, click here.

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