Endocrinology

Oklahoma Heart Institute’s Division of Endocrinology endeavors to provide top level care in the field of Endocrinology. As the largest group of endocrinologists in the area, we have trained in Centers of Excellence from around the country; providing care in such diverse diseases as diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis.

In the area of diabetes, care consists of focusing on the individual needs of the patients; ranging from dietary management and oral medication to insulin and insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring systems. Patients are encouraged to become very active participants in the management of their disease, and they are followed closely in an attempt to prevent serious complications from developing from their diabetes.

Thyroid disorders are handled uniquely well at Oklahoma Heart Institute, where patients can not only take advantage of the physician’s training in thyroid diseases, but also our skills in diagnostic ultrasound with needle biopsy, nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases both benign and malignant.

Our endocrinologists are also involved in the care of patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. We focus on preventing the onset or progression of major cardiovascular complications. This is accomplished by optimizing diet, exercise and medication.

Like most physicians at Oklahoma Heart Institute, the Endocrinology Division physicians are actively involved in the study of new therapies. This allows us to stay on the forefront of evolving care for diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders.

In summary, Oklahoma Heart Institute’s Division of Endocrinology provides the highest quality of care for the highest quality of life.

Do you have questions about diabetes? Visit The Center for Diabetes Management page to learn more.

The endocrinology program at Oklahoma Heart Institute is one of the largest team of specialists in northeast Oklahoma providing comprehensive endocrine care. Our specialists have trained in centers of excellence around the country and are ready to treat common and complex endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis. We are actively involved in the study of new therapies. This allows us to stay on the forefront of evolving care for diabetes, hypertension and lipid disorders. By focusing on the needs of our patients, we are able to develop individualized treatment plans that work to help them get back on track.

Endocrine Disorders

Several important body functions are powered by a network of glands that produce and release hormones that make up the body’s endocrine system. This system impacts almost every fiber of your being – from how your bones and tissues develop, how your heart beats to even your capacity to produce a baby. Its role is crucial when it comes to whether or not you develop diabetes, experience growth disorders, have sexual dysfunction, suffer from thyroid disease as well as many other hormone-related disorders. Each endocrine gland discharges hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones maneuver through your blood to other cells to either assist or take control of various body processes. Even the slightest issue with one or more of these glands can throw off your hormones which would lead to either an endocrine disorder or even endocrine disease.

Types of Endocrine Disorders

ADRENAL DISORDERS

Adrenal glands produce needed hormones that your body can’t live without. With adrenal gland disorders, your glands either have too much or too little hormones such as sex hormones and cortisol (helps you respond to stress). In Cushing’s syndrome there is an abundance of cortisol while in Addison’s disease there is too little. Adrenal gland disorders can be caused by genetic mutations, infections, problems in other glands (such as the pituitary) which helps regulate the adrenal gland and specific medications and tumors.

DIABETES

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods we eat into energy to be used by the body. In Type 1 diabetes the body stops making insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the insulin cannot be used properly or it may not make enough. A few of the signs of diabetes includes frequent urination, tingling or numb hands or feet, constant thirst and hunger, fatigue, weakness, weight loss or weight gain, dry, itchy skin and blurred vision.

HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Hyperlipidemia is caused by too much cholesterol in the blood. The liver produces a waxy fat molecule called cholesterol that is essential for healthy brain functioning, vitamin storage, hormone production and healthy cell membranes. Lowdensity lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or good cholesterol, are the two types of proteins that help carry cholesterol to the cells. While LDL has damaging effects on your health, HDL helps to counteract those effects by carrying excess cholesterol back to the liver for elimination.

HYPERTENSION

Hypertension (high blood pressure) and can cause health problems such as heart disease which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. The amount of blood your heart pumps along with the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries helps determine your blood pressure. Normally high blood pressure takes years to develop and eventually affects almost everyone. High blood pressure can be controlled once discovered.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis happens when your bone density weakens, making breaks (fractures) more likely.

PARATHYROID DISORDERS

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) assists your body in keeping the adequate balance of calcium and phosphorous it needs. This balance is disrupted when your parathyroid glands either over produces or under produces PTH.

Hyperparathyroidism is when these glands release too much PTH resulting in increased levels of calcium. In contrast, hypoparathyroidism is when these glands release decreased levels of calcium.

PITUITARY DISORDERS

When one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland are either over produced or under produced, this results in pituitary disorders.

REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

Reproductive disorders are diseases involving the reproductive system, including reproductive tract infections, congenital abnormalities, cancers of the reproductive system and sexual dysfunction.

THYROID DISORDERS

Nearly all of the metabolic processes in your body are influenced by hormones the thyroid gland produces. Thyroid disorders range from harmless to life-threatening. There are two thyroid problems that are the most common – hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone). When properly diagnosed and treated, most thyroid disorders can be managed.

Screenings & Diagnostic Testing

BONE DENSITY TESTING

This test can be utilized to help confirm that you may or may not have osteoporosis even before a fracture happens.

DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND OF THE THYROID

A picture of the thyroid gland is produced to assist in the diagnosis of a nodule (lump) in the thyroid, thyroid cancer or a thyroid gland that is not functioning properly. Prior to surgery, this test can also show abnormal neck lymph nodes helping surgeons determine the extent of the operation.

FASTING BLOOD SUGAR TEST

After fasting overnight, your blood sugar level will be measured.

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA) BIOPSY OF THYROID NODULES

This is the best diagnostic procedure for determining which thyroid nodules are benign and which have cancer.

FOLLOW-UP GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TESTING

After fasting overnight, your blood sugar level will be measured. You will then drink a sweet solution with a high level of glucose before your blood sugar level is checked again every hour for three hours.

GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN (A1C) TEST

Your blood is tested to find out what your average blood sugar levels have been for the past two to three months.

INITIAL GLUCOSE CHALLENGE TEST

This challenge starts with drinking a syrupy glucose solution. In one hour, a blood test will measure your blood sugar level.

ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

This test has you fast overnight before your fasting blood sugar level is taken. Next, you will drink sugary liquid and then your blood sugar levels will be tested periodically over the next two hours.

RANDOM BLOOD SUGAR TEST

A blood sample will be taken at a random time.

Treatments

CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) helps track your glucose levels at regular intervals 24/7. This system will alert you if your levels get too high or too low.

INSULIN PUMP MANAGEMENT

An insulin pump is a small computerized device that takes the place of your pancreas. This device delivers a continuous dose of insulin in two ways – small doses of insulin in a steady measured dose (basal rate) and "on demand" (bolus dose) around mealtimes.

MEDICATIONS

Depending on what type of diabetes you have, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment.

RISK FACTOR MODIFICATION

Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity are important factors in managing diabetes.

THYROID ABLATION

During this procedure, heat is used to help decrease the function of some or all of your thyroid gland by either shrinking or fully destroying thyroid lumps while saving your thyroid gland.