Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists of Colorado
Our Services
Every patient is unique, and our goal is to provide individualized care for each person. Our providers are committed to a patient-centered approach, which we believe involves effective communication, patient education and a mutual understanding of one another's treatment goals. This model fosters a productive doctor-patient relationship, allowing us to properly address the comprehensive needs of those in our care.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes is a serious, costly and common condition in which one's blood sugar (blood glucose) is higher than normal. Nearly 8 percent of Americans have it. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, lower-extremity amputation and stroke/cardiovascular disease.
Genetics is believed to play a role in both, type I and II diabetes.
Generally affects younger people and accounts for about five percent of all cases of diabetes. It is not caused by lifestyle or diet.
Type I diabetes symptoms:
- Extreme hunger
- Frequent urination
- Unusual thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme irritability and/or fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
More likely to occur in those age 40 and older and/or those who are overweight. Directly related to dietary and lifestyle choices, it accounts for between 90 and 95 percent of all cases.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms:
- Some/many of the symptoms of type I diabetes
- Frequent infections
- Slow to heal cuts/bruises
- Blurred vision
- Tingling/numbness in hands/feet
- Recurring bladder, skin or gum infections
Those with Type 2 often have no symptoms, as may women with gestational diabetes (diabetes related to pregnancy).
There is no cure for diabetes. Immediate treatment goals are to enhance one's quality of life, reduce symptoms and prevent complications. This is accomplished through:
- Education
- Nutrition
- Regular exercise
- Weight control
- Vigilant self-monitoring of high blood glucose levels
- Blood pressure and cholesterol control
- Foot and eye care
- Oral medications, injectable medications, or insulin
- Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (an often life-threatening complication resulting from a shortage of insulin)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - female hormone medication to replace those no longer produced by the body after menopause - was once standard treatment for women suffering with hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. The prevention of heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia were thought to be part of its benefit.
If you are on hormone replacement therapy:
- Minimize amount of medication - using lowest effective dose for shortest possible of time to effectively treat symptoms
- Schedule regular checkups, pelvic exams and screenings such as mammograms
- Don't smoke - if you do, stop
HRT pros include:
- Prevents bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis
- Relieves symptoms of menopause
- Lowers risk of macular degeneration, damage to / or breakdown of the macula of the eye, which allows us to see fine details clearly. Causes blurriness or darkness in the center of vision
- Lowers risk of diabetes
- Lowers risk of colon cancer
- Reduces hot flashes and night sweats
- Reduces mood swings
- May lower cardiovascular risks in healthy women
- Prevents vaginal atrophy
HRT cons include:
- Risk of stroke
- Risk of breast cancer, taken with progestin
- Risk of pulmonary embolism
- Risk of dementia after age 65
- Risk of heart disease in older women
- Breast tenderness
- Risk of endometrial cancer (for women who still have their uteruses and are not taking progesterone/with estrogen)
- Risk of blood clots
- Risk of gallbladder disease
- Risk of high blood pressure
Today, new evidence reveals that for some women, depending on their risk factors, certain types of HRT may be beneficial. The determination to use or not use hormone therapy after menopause is one that should be carefully considered by a woman and her healthcare provider, taking into account the personal risks.
Those most commonly endorsed menopausal treatments are:
- Systemic estrogen (available in pill, skin patch, gel, cream or spray) to relieve menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, along with vaginal dryness, itching, burning and discomfort during intercourse.
- Low-dose vaginal products (available in cream, tablet or ring form) to treat vaginal and some urinary symptoms, while curtailing absorption into the body (ineffective for hot flashes, night sweats or protection against osteoporosis).
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Type I diabetes management
- Type II diabetes management
- Vitamin supplements
Conditions We Treat
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Lipid disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Adrenal (suprarenal)
- Hypogonadism
- Osteoporosis
Providers
