Endocrinology bases its therapy on the disorders of the body’s hormone-producing glands. As a whole, the endocrine system is the hub for human growth and is responsible for the coordination of metabolism, respiration, excretion, movement, reproduction, and sensory perception.
The glands of the endocrine system include the pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and the sex glands (ovaries and testes). These glands work in conjunction with one another, secreting hormones necessary for your body to function in your daily life.
Normal function of your endocrine system is an essential part to staying healthy. Endocrine gland dysfunction can result in obesity, diabetes, infertility, osteoporosis, cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, and many other health problems.
Our practice has a unique approach to endocrinology. While most practices have just one or two doctors to try to solve every problem, we are able to pool our combined experience, which results in solutions customized for each patient’s individual situation.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, incurable condition. Our goal is to empower our patients with as much knowledge as possible about this disease, because self-management is crucial for effective, long-term treatment success. We make sure we always take the time to listen to your concerns, provide the education you need to see to and manage your disease so you can leave our offices feeling confident that everything that can be done to help you is being done.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. In this form of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that is necessary for the body to utilize glucose as energy. Without glucose, our organs will fail.
Advances in medicine have made Type 1 Diabetes a very manageable condition. At NEFEDA, our health professionals work closely with patients so that our patients can live long and enjoyable lives.
You can count on NEFEDA to bring the latest treatments for Type 1 Diabetes to you.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes are: hypoglycemia ; low blood glucose level; hyperglycemia ; high blood glucose level; and ketoacidosis, dangerously high levels of acid in the blood. Conditions such as celiac disease, adrenal insufficiency, and thyroid disease can be associated with Type 1 Diabetes. In addition, Type 1 diabetics are at an increased risk of heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and even blindness. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is critical to prevent these complications. Once you do, your NEFEDA doctor will help you receive the treatment best for you.
Effective treatments include state-of-the-art insulin pumps that eliminate the need for daily injections. A proper diet and exercise plan also contributes to good health.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is commonly referred to as adult-onset diabetes. It is by far the most common form of diabetes.
The unfortunate news is that millions of Americans have Type 2 Diabetes. The good news is that you can still live a long, fulfilling life if you manage your diabetes correctly and diligently with the help of NEFEDA. Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, and the body’s inability to respond to insulin (insulin resistance).
Common conditions associated with Type 2 Diabetes include: hypoglycemia , low blood glucose level; hyperglycemia , high blood glucose leve;, heart disease, high cholesterol; obesity; high blood pressure; the metabolic syndrome; and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Multiple oral and injectable agents are available for the effective treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. When combined with the right diet and exercise plan, plus NEFEDA’s top-notch patient education program, the outlook could not be more positive for those with Type 2 Diabetes.
Thyroid
Unless you encounter a problem with it, chances are your thyroid goes relatively unnoticed. Shaped somewhat like a butterfly, the thyroid is located toward the front of the neck. In men, it is found roughly behind the Adam’s apple. A critical part of the endocrine system and one of its largest glands, the thyroid regulates the rate at which you burn energy. This includes your metabolism. The thyroid also helps control your body’s sensitivity to other hormones. It helps you build proteins. It affects growth. It has an impact on how other body systems function. In short, a healthy thyroid is essential to a healthy body.
Given the crucial role of the thyroid in human physiology, it is important to know the most common thyroid abnormalities.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is most often caused by “Hashimoto’s disease” where the body’s own immune system (T cells) attacks the cells of the thyroid. Interestingly, it was the first disease to be recognized as an autoimmune disease. Some symptoms of this disease include fatigue, loss of hair, and hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels). It can also cause feelings of depression, loss of libido, and an inability to concentrate.
Typical treatment of Hashimoto’s disease includes a bioidentical form of the T4 hormone levothyroxine, which is orally administered to the patient.
Hyperthyroidism is a state of thyroid hormone excess. Thyroid hormones have an impact on nearly every part of the body but too much of it can cause your body’s systems to speed up, sometimes to dangerous levels. It is not atypical for individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism to experience a rapid heartbeat, sweat excessively, and feel nervous or moody. Many patients lose weight quickly even if eating their normal diet.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that stimulates the thyroid to over produce thyroid hormone.
There are several treatment methods for hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers help slow down the side effects of excess thyroid hormone. Anti thyroid medication effectively blocks thyroid hormone synthesis.
It is important to note that with either disorder, it is very important to seek medical attention right away, even when symptoms are mild. The long-term damage caused by either condition can be extremely serious if not addressed immediately.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid Cancer is the development of malignant tumors in the thyroid gland. As with all cancers, the outcome depends upon the type and stage of the cancer. With our elite physicians using revolutionary technology, our goal is to do everything possible to help our patients beat all types of Thyroid Cancer.
The types of thyroid malignancy are Papillary, Follicular, Medullary and Anaplastic. Papillary and Follicular Cancer make up 90 percent of all thyroid malignancy. Both typically spread slowly, and once removed, there is a low chance of recurrence and generally an excellent prognosis for survival. There is a relatively high success rate in treating Medullary Cancer if diagnosed early as well. Anaplastic Cancer is the most aggressive Thyroid Cancer.
Podiatry
At NEFEDA, we take pride in being the first Endocrinology practice in the United States with an in-house Podiatrist on staff. This distinction is yet another way we prove that NEFEDA offers a level of commitment to patients simply not found anywhere else. Of course, we didn’t just bring on any podiatrist. Our podiatrist is Dr. Ronnie Bateh, who specializes in diabetes related foot care and has already made a difference in the lives of hundreds of NEFEDA patients. We know problems involving the feet can become a concern for many individuals with diabetes. Rest assured, you’re in the best of hands with Dr. Bateh and his CareTeam. By providing podiatric care in conjunction with other care offered by NEFEDA the result is more convenient, cohesive, and seamless care. That means the best possible outcome for the patient.
Research Center
Considered one of our nation’s largest and most prestigious private endocrine practices, all of us at NEFEDA feel a special responsibility to help take our specialty even further in the months and years to come. The cornerstone of making such advancements a reality is NEFEDA’s research work.
Our experience in clinical trials includes work in diabetes, cardiology, osteoporosis, rheumatology, urology, ophthalmology, and more.
With an expert full-time staff and the latest medical technology, our research work has already produced significant results that are being utilized to develop even better treatment plans for our patients. We are even more excited about what developments may arise in the future.
NEFEDA has partnered with East Coast Institute for Research to take research to the next level.
To learn more about clinical trials, call ECIR at 904-384-2379, opt. 1, or visit www.eastcoastresearch.net.
