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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Can I ever stop using insulin?
It is possible for patients to get off of insulin if they are type 2 Diabetics who work on lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, weight loss), as most type 2 diabetics are overweight READ MORE
It is possible for patients to get off of insulin if they are type 2 Diabetics who work on lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, weight loss), as most type 2 diabetics are overweight and have insulin resistance. Type 1 Diabetics,(whose pancrease stops producing insulin) on the other hand, will need insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
Thyroid problems?
Your T4 is significantly elevated suggesting thyrotoxicosis, which could be multifactorial, due to inflammation of the thyrocytes releasing thyroid hormone, and the oral thyroid READ MORE
Your T4 is significantly elevated suggesting thyrotoxicosis, which could be multifactorial, due to inflammation of the thyrocytes releasing thyroid hormone, and the oral thyroid hormone supplement. The elevated TPO antibody suggest the presence of underlying Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I would suggest stopping the levothyroxin until results of further tests are in: ESR, TSH, free T3, freeT4. Stop any bioten 7 days prior. Has the patient had amiodorone, recent iodine contrast or viral infection? See an endocrinologist to help sort out the etiology and the appropriate treatment.
Does diet cause a child to get diabetes?
Only if he is on a high carbohydrate diet and overweight with the subsequent development of insulin resistance (which we are seeing more of these days). Most patients that develop READ MORE
Only if he is on a high carbohydrate diet and overweight with the subsequent development of insulin resistance (which we are seeing more of these days). Most patients that develop diabetes at that young age however, are type I Diabetics, or insulin deficient diabetics. This type of diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce any more insulin and is not related to diet. Just as the thyroid can stop producing thyroid hormone, the pancreas can stop producing insulin. Often, this can be due to a preceding viral illness, autoimmune destruction of the pancreas, or genetically determined shortened lifespan of the pancreatic Beta cells that produce insulin.
Is frequent urination a sign of diabetes?
Frequent urination can be due to a number of different causes, one of which is diabetes. In this case, the body tries to deal with the high sugars by getting rid of the sugar READ MORE
Frequent urination can be due to a number of different causes, one of which is diabetes. In this case, the body tries to deal with the high sugars by getting rid of the sugar through the urine. This high sugar that goes through the kidneys draws more water with it , causing increased urination, dehydration, and increased thirst to try to correct itself. If you try to satisfy the thirst with sweet beverages, instead of water, you concentrate the sugars in your bloodstream even more and can become very sick from dehydration and the conversion of the sugar to acid.
However, other causes of frequent urination include urinary tract infections, diuretics, caffeinated drinks, and diabetes insipidis which involves the water regulatory mechanism in tbe brain.
However, other causes of frequent urination include urinary tract infections, diuretics, caffeinated drinks, and diabetes insipidis which involves the water regulatory mechanism in tbe brain.
How serious is low blood sugar?
Low blood sugars can be indications of serious underlying conditions including insulin producing tumors, adrenal insufficiency, and over medication and can result in blackouts, READ MORE
Low blood sugars can be indications of serious underlying conditions including insulin producing tumors, adrenal insufficiency, and over medication and can result in blackouts, confusion, seizures, and death. Treatment depends on the cause, but requires immediate attention and ingestion of sugar-containing gels, drinks, and foods. Glucose given intravenously, or a glucagon injection is warranted when the patient is unconscious. Some patients may just need more frequent small meals to prevent their sugars from going low. Patients with low sugars should be evaluated by an endocrinologist.
Causes of normal TSH, low T4, and lower T3?
Yes, there may be a pituitary problem that prevents the pituitary from responding appropriately to the low thyroid hormone levels by producing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which READ MORE
Yes, there may be a pituitary problem that prevents the pituitary from responding appropriately to the low thyroid hormone levels by producing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which should be elevated. Your physician or endocrinologist can further determine the cause of this malfunction, its extent (other hormones involved?), and the appropriate treatment.
Is a glucose meter bought from a chemist accurate? Will intermittent fasting help bring down my HbA1C level?
I would recommend you check a few of your glucometer readings against blood sugars drawn in the lab, and perhaps those from FDA approved glucometers before relying on the glucometer READ MORE
I would recommend you check a few of your glucometer readings against blood sugars drawn in the lab, and perhaps those from FDA approved glucometers before relying on the glucometer you got from your chemist.
Travel for 2 Seniors During Covid-19 Pandemic?
It’s too risky at this time, and you’re high risk. If one person has Covid, you can all get it. Alot of people are still getting very sick with covid and dying. Maybe after everyone READ MORE
It’s too risky at this time, and you’re high risk. If one person has Covid, you can all get it. Alot of people are still getting very sick with covid and dying. Maybe after everyone has been immunized. Will you be driving or flying? Lines, packed planes, people not wearing masks...
Urinary problems?
Frequent urination can be caused by a number of conditions including high blood sugars, diuretics, neurogenic bladder, calcium disorders, pituitary disorders urinary tract infections, READ MORE
Frequent urination can be caused by a number of conditions including high blood sugars, diuretics, neurogenic bladder, calcium disorders, pituitary disorders urinary tract infections, and bladder tumors. See your doctor for a proper evaluation. Most causes are easily treated.
Can low blood sugar wake you up at night?
Low blood sugars activate the sympathetic nervous system which causes palpitations, sweats, headaches, nervousness, tremors, and black outs. It’s unlikely that they would just READ MORE
Low blood sugars activate the sympathetic nervous system which causes palpitations, sweats, headaches, nervousness, tremors, and black outs. It’s unlikely that they would just cause you to wake up without any of the other symptoms. Have you checked your blood sugar during one of these wake ups?
Diuretics and possible swelling?
Fluid accumulation can work its way up the body. Unless there is a problem with local infection, or strangulation due to not being circumcised, the diuretic should take care of READ MORE
Fluid accumulation can work its way up the body. Unless there is a problem with local infection, or strangulation due to not being circumcised, the diuretic should take care of the swelling. See your doctor if things don’t improve.
Why is diabetes so common in America?
Poor diets high in carbohydrates , snacks, eating late, and not enough exercise.
Hypothyroid?
Your TSH is too low, which means that your dose maybe too high unless you are taking other medications(steroids, or biotin) that can affect the test.
Can being on too much thyroid medicine cause quick episodes of dizziness?
As we get older, we are more prone to atrial fibrillation. Too much thyroid medicine can make you hyperthyroid and cause atrial fibrillation which can cause dizziness, palpitations, READ MORE
As we get older, we are more prone to atrial fibrillation. Too much thyroid medicine can make you hyperthyroid and cause atrial fibrillation which can cause dizziness, palpitations, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Get an EKG and blood work.
Is a blood transfusion ever needed for diabetics?
Only if you lose blood from severe bleeding or your blood cells get destroyed from other causes.
How do you stop frequent urination with diabetes?
You need to get your blood sugars under control. See your doctor for help.
High blood pressure?
Not unless you want complications like retinal or vitreous hemorrhage, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure. Your medications need adjusted. See your endocrinologist.
Do I have hypothyroidism?
You need to have some blood work to help determine wether your symptoms are due to your thyroid, or something else(like anemia, iron deficiency,etc.).
Will I have diabetes if my adult brother does?
Not necessarily.
