EXPERT
Dr. Silvana Yovanof, M.D.
Endocrinology-Diabetes
Dr. Silvana Yovanof is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and currently practices Endocrinology and Medicine in Monongahela, PA. Dr. Yovanof specializes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to hormone imbalance and other endocrine disorders including disorders of the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands as well as diabetes and bone metabolism. Dr. Yovanof has served as the Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Peer Review Committee and Patient Care Committees at Monongahela Valley Hospital.
She has been a fervent advocate for accountability in medicine, as well as a patient advocate and encourages patients to be educated on their conditions and medications.
She has been a fervent advocate for accountability in medicine, as well as a patient advocate and encourages patients to be educated on their conditions and medications.
39 years
Experience
Dr. Silvana Yovanof, M.D.
- Monongahela, PA
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Should I be worried about unintentional weight loss?
Absolutely! A number of conditions can contribute to unintentional weight loss including infection, over active thyroid, malabsorption, adrenal insufficiency. As a person having READ MORE
Absolutely! A number of conditions can contribute to unintentional weight loss including infection, over active thyroid, malabsorption, adrenal insufficiency. As a person having type 1 Diabetes, which is usually considered an autoimmune condition, you are more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions such as those mentioned above. Additionally, you are more prone to infections. Young, intelligent, striving women are also pone to eating disorders.
Vaginal discharge suggests infection which needs immediate attention before causing more serious complications like blood infection, infertility, or kidney damage. Please get checked out urgently.
Vaginal discharge suggests infection which needs immediate attention before causing more serious complications like blood infection, infertility, or kidney damage. Please get checked out urgently.
Do I have diabetes?
A blood sugar of 133, after fasting overnight suggests Diabetes. A blood sugar of 133 after having eaten is normal. So it really depends on what the circumstances of when the READ MORE
A blood sugar of 133, after fasting overnight suggests Diabetes. A blood sugar of 133 after having eaten is normal. So it really depends on what the circumstances of when the sugar was taken are. Are you having any symptoms of weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination? Have you been eating a lot of sweets and carbohydrates? Are you overweight or physically inactive? Some medications can also cause elevations in blood sugars. See your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Hypothyroid condition?
That's great. It is recommended that there is at least one hour gap between the time you take the thyroid replacement medication (synthroid,levothyroid,levothyroxine) and the READ MORE
That's great. It is recommended that there is at least one hour gap between the time you take the thyroid replacement medication (synthroid,levothyroid,levothyroxine) and the ingestion of food since food interferes with its absorption. If one has eaten before having taken the medication, a two hour gap is recommended before taking the thyroid replacement medication. Iron and calcium are additional items that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid replacement medications and should be taken hours (>4) before or after taking thyroid replacement.
Type 2 diabetes?
While metformin is recommended as the first medication for people with type 2 diabetes because of its benefits, many people cannot tolerate it, particularly because of stomach READ MORE
While metformin is recommended as the first medication for people with type 2 diabetes because of its benefits, many people cannot tolerate it, particularly because of stomach upset, diarrhea, or kidney issues. While some stomach side effects can be tolerable, throat swelling is a reason to stop it immediately since it suggests a more serious reaction that can be life-threatening. In deciding which medicine is appropriate for a given patient, a number of factors must be considered, including the severity of Diabetes, HbA1C, kidney function, age of the patient, possible side effects of the medication, whether the patient is having low sugars, and any coexisting medical conditions they may have.
Can prediabetes numbers be managed with just diet alterations?
Diet (low carb, avoiding sweets, breads, juices) and exercise are still the most important things people with pre-diabetes can do to prevent, or postpone, becoming diabetic, and READ MORE
Diet (low carb, avoiding sweets, breads, juices) and exercise are still the most important things people with pre-diabetes can do to prevent, or postpone, becoming diabetic, and type 2 diabetics can do to prevent the progression of diabetes. By doing so, you are detoxifying your body of the sugars, and allowing it to burn off the sugars and metabolize them more efficiently instead of overwhelming it.
Diabetes 2?
The diagnosis of diabetes is based on two fasting blood sugars over 126 on 2 separate days, or a random blood sugar above 200. I’m not sure what your initial A1c was. The fact READ MORE
The diagnosis of diabetes is based on two fasting blood sugars over 126 on 2 separate days, or a random blood sugar above 200. I’m not sure what your initial A1c was. The fact that your current A1cs are so good indicates that whatever you are doing to keep your sugars down, along with taking the metformin, is working. Are you monitoring your blood sugars? Are you having any low blood sugars? Are your blood sugars consistent with your A1c? Sometimes, people can have other coexisting medical conditions (like anemia) that give falsely low A1cs. Talk to your doctor.
Do I have diabetes?
Increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue are common symptoms that may indicate that you may have diabetes. However, urinary frequency, dehydration, weakness, and abdominal READ MORE
Increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue are common symptoms that may indicate that you may have diabetes. However, urinary frequency, dehydration, weakness, and abdominal pain can also occur with urinary tract infection with possible sepsis. Urinary frequency and weakness can also occur with a condition called diabetes insipidus, which causes affected people to pee out gallons of fluid a day and can lead to severe dehydration and abnormal body chemistry if not treated. You need to see your doctor to be tested for these conditions. A simple blood test and urinalysis is indicated.
Is it possible for a 34 year old to suffer from diabetic neuropathy?
Absolutely, in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to glucose toxicity, and its effect on the nerves. However, because there are other causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as READ MORE
Absolutely, in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to glucose toxicity, and its effect on the nerves. However, because there are other causes of peripheral neuropathy, such as certain vitamin deficiencies and other conditions, it is best to see your doctor and get checked out.
Do I have a parasite?
I’m not sure what thats a picture of, but you can place whatever that is in a sterile container that you can get from any medical facility and bring it in to your doctor for analysis. READ MORE
I’m not sure what thats a picture of, but you can place whatever that is in a sterile container that you can get from any medical facility and bring it in to your doctor for analysis. That might help both of you determine what it is, and treat as indicated.
Does uncontrolled diabetes cause low hemoglobin?
Diabetes does not cause low hemoglobin or anemia, while other conditions like iron deficiency, chronic kidney disease, certain medications, infections, bleeding, and blood cancers READ MORE
Diabetes does not cause low hemoglobin or anemia, while other conditions like iron deficiency, chronic kidney disease, certain medications, infections, bleeding, and blood cancers can. Your mom needs to be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
If I have diabetes, do I have higher chances of having an overactive thyroid?
The problems that diabetes can cause are related to the syrupy, sticky blood and blood cells it causes. Thus kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, READ MORE
The problems that diabetes can cause are related to the syrupy, sticky blood and blood cells it causes. Thus kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, visual loss earlier dementia. While diabetes does not itself cause thyroid disease, type 1 Diabetes, thought to be autoimmune in nature, can be associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune conditions, including overactive or underactive thyroid ,adrenal insufficiency ,celiac disease, etc., as part of autoimmune polyglandular syndromes.
Can diabetes cause weight loss?
Weight loss can be intentional, or unintentional. Pts with type 2 Diabetes are usually overweight and insulin resistant (they produce defective or insufficient amounts of insulin READ MORE
Weight loss can be intentional, or unintentional. Pts with type 2 Diabetes are usually overweight and insulin resistant (they produce defective or insufficient amounts of insulin to perform the job of getting the glucose out of the blood vessels and into the cells.) Pts with type 1 Diabetes stop producing insulin and require insulin injections to get the glucose out of the blood stream and into the cells. Profound weight loss often accompanies the development of type 1 Diabetes because of the lack of insulin (an anabolic hormone). Your husband should be evaluated by an endocrinologist.
What is the best way to stop bleeding in a diabetic patient?
The best way to stop bleeding in diabetics as well as in nondiabetics is to control the sugars, and blood pressure. While diabetics are more likely to have retinal and vitreous READ MORE
The best way to stop bleeding in diabetics as well as in nondiabetics is to control the sugars, and blood pressure. While diabetics are more likely to have retinal and vitreous hemorrhages, this is due to the development of abnormal , fragile blood vessels in the eye that are more likely to leak blood, especially in the presence of high blood pressure. Urgent ophthalmic intervention may be necessary. Diabetes itself should not cause significant blood loss leading to anemia.
Levothyroxine side effects?
You sound like a young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The good part is that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is treatable with levothyroxine, (replacement thyroid hormone). READ MORE
You sound like a young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The good part is that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is treatable with levothyroxine, (replacement thyroid hormone). The most common side effects are possible rash, palpitations, anxiety, headache, nervousness and hair loss. While an overactive thyroid can be associated with weight loss, patients on thyroid hormone replacement do not lose a significant amount of weight, and too high of dosages can lead to more side effects and are not advised.
Should I be concerned about the high thyroid lab result?
It depends on which thyroid lab result is high. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and acts to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid READ MORE
It depends on which thyroid lab result is high. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and acts to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. An elevated TSH can signify any underactive thyroid, or even a pituitary tumor. Your symptoms seem to be consistent with an underactive thyroid. See your physician for a more accurate diagnosis. Thyroid hormone is needed for the proper function of most of the significant body organs, including the brain, the heart, bones, liver, etc.
Does acupuncture affect blood sugar?
Although I am not aware of any direct studies, it is possible that acupuncture, meditation, yoga, etc. can be of benefit to patients with diabetes by virtue of decreasing the stress READ MORE
Although I am not aware of any direct studies, it is possible that acupuncture, meditation, yoga, etc. can be of benefit to patients with diabetes by virtue of decreasing the stress levels and perhaps lowering levels of stress hormones. I would not substitute it for any medications your doctor has put you on however. If it is affective, your doctor should be able to lower or possibly discontinue some of your medications. Low carbohydrate diet, exercise and weight loss are still the mainstay of treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Is this serious or not?
Have you already been diagnosed with diabetes? Some patients are first diagnosed when they appear in the Emergency Room in DKA. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and life threatening READ MORE
Have you already been diagnosed with diabetes? Some patients are first diagnosed when they appear in the Emergency Room in DKA. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and life threatening condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated immediately! Severe dehydration and acidic blood can lead to cardiovascular collapse and death!
How can one prevent diabetes if it is hereditary?
While we can't always control the development of certain medical conditions, low carbohydrate diet and exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol are important things one can do to READ MORE
While we can't always control the development of certain medical conditions, low carbohydrate diet and exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol are important things one can do to prevent or postpone the development of at least type 2 diabetes.
I have sharp pain in my stomach?
Diabetics can develop neuropathy of the intestines, as well as inflammation of the pancreas that can be associated with abdominal discomfort. A gastric emptying study can be ordered READ MORE
Diabetics can develop neuropathy of the intestines, as well as inflammation of the pancreas that can be associated with abdominal discomfort. A gastric emptying study can be ordered by your doctor, along with an EGD to look at your stomach for gastritis, ulcer, or other conditions if antacid medications do not relieve your discomfort.
What happens to a diabetic without insulin?
Insulin is a necessary hormone for life. Pts with type 1 Diabetes need to have insulin injections in order to survive since they no longer produce it. Muscle wasting due to inability READ MORE
Insulin is a necessary hormone for life. Pts with type 1 Diabetes need to have insulin injections in order to survive since they no longer produce it. Muscle wasting due to inability to get the sugar out of the blood vessels and into the cells where it's needed for energy, acidification of the blood (DKA), can lead to death. Insulin is an anabolic hormone and without it, the body deteriorates (catabolism). In type 2 Diabetics, insulin therapy may be necessary when the oral medications are no longer able to control the sugars (bring them down in the 100s). This occurs after years of overstimulation of the pancreas by the oral agents (that stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin), until it poops out and can no longer produce adequate insulin. Insulin injections may also be needed as adjunct to newer medications that work to reduce blood sugars by other mechanisms.
