expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Lyudmila Shvets, MD

Endocrinology-Diabetes

Please call my office at 914-849-7900 to schedule a video call to discuss your questions. Many questions are not a simple yes or no and require background information, more than what is provided. I will be able to spend more time addressing your concerns having better understanding on the background.


Dr. Lyudmila Shvets - Gabriel MD is a top Endocrinologist in Westchester, NY. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to her specialty, Dr. Lyudmila Shvets MD is an expert in changing the lives of her patients for the better. Through designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Lyudmila Shvets MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in the field, Dr. Lyudmila Shvets MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. She embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Westchester, NY, Dr. Lyudmila Shvets MD is a true asset to the field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
15 years Experience
Dr. Lyudmila Shvets, MD
  • Armonk, NY
  • St. George's University School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Persistant cough?

Many patients with diabetes take medication for blood pressure that end in -pril. Like enalapril or lisinopril. This class of medications can cause a cough, and should be discussed READ MORE
Many patients with diabetes take medication for blood pressure that end in -pril. Like enalapril or lisinopril. This class of medications can cause a cough, and should be discussed with his endocrinologist. If he is not on any of these agents, speak with primary care physician to work up cough.

Is it possible for a 34 year old to suffer from diabetic neuropathy?

Yes it is possible, especially if diabetes is not well controlled.

How often should I monitor my blood sugar with type 2 diabetes?

This answer depends on how controlled or uncontrolled your diabetes is. Generally doctors request testing sugar more frequently when A1C is above 8, and less often if less than READ MORE
This answer depends on how controlled or uncontrolled your diabetes is. Generally doctors request testing sugar more frequently when A1C is above 8, and less often if less than 8.
Your sugar readings are used by your physician to help make medication changes to improve sugar control. So reach out to your doctor to see what you can do to help them manage diabetes better

Can you take insulin without needles?

Yes, there are other options to taking insulin therapy such as insulin pumps or V-Go or inhaled SHORT acting insulin option called Afrezza.

Does uncontrolled diabetes cause low hemoglobin?

People who have uncontrolled diabetes can have impaired kidney function, which can then lead to lower hemoglobin. There are other causes of low hemoglobin such as bleeding or other READ MORE
People who have uncontrolled diabetes can have impaired kidney function, which can then lead to lower hemoglobin. There are other causes of low hemoglobin such as bleeding or other chronic diseases, and should be investigated further

Pain in both hands?

Many causes for pain in both hands that started acutely. Would start with discussing with your primary care physicians first.

Can diabetes be reversed if diagnosed early?

The answer is possibly, depending on how severe his diabetes is and how much lifestyle modifications he makes. The other fact to consider is if he has some genetic type of diabetes READ MORE
The answer is possibly, depending on how severe his diabetes is and how much lifestyle modifications he makes. The other fact to consider is if he has some genetic type of diabetes which may certainly improve with lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating and routine exercise, but some of these types are more difficult to fully reverse.

Where can I get a 1,200 cal. diabetes diet?

The best advise is to work with a diabetes educator also known as a CDE (certified diabetes educator) who is registered dietitian with in-depth knowledge in the field of diabetes. READ MORE
The best advise is to work with a diabetes educator also known as a CDE (certified diabetes educator) who is registered dietitian with in-depth knowledge in the field of diabetes. This way, the CDE can tailor the diet to your individual needs based on your height, weight and daily nutritional requirements depending on other medical issues such as kidney, liver or gastric problems. My advice to my patients is to concentrate on the Quality of calories, not the number of calories per day.

Can long term diabetes affect my liver functioning?

Diabetes can have an impact on multiple body organs, including the liver. One of the most common conditions I see in my patients with diabetes is NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver READ MORE
Diabetes can have an impact on multiple body organs, including the liver. One of the most common conditions I see in my patients with diabetes is NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) which I routinely test for.

Does Metformin ensure that I won't have diabetes because of my PCOD?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. PCOS predisposes to insulin resistance (high insulin levels) that in turn can progress into pre-diabetes and overt diabetes. If your insulin READ MORE
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. PCOS predisposes to insulin resistance (high insulin levels) that in turn can progress into pre-diabetes and overt diabetes. If your insulin levels are already elevated, Metformin will help to lower them, by helping preserve your pancreas function (to help delay progression to diabetes). However, diet and exercise are very important add-ons in helping prevent insulin resistance to progressing further, in addition to Metformin. Many patients after they start taking medication like Metformin, think they can stop paying attention to the food they eat because they feel a false sense of protection with medicine. That is not true. These agents work together with lifestyle modifications to help protect your body from disease progression.

Why do I feel tired after I eat?

Diabetes is all about numbers - your sugar numbers that is! As people have diabetes longer, their bodies have a hard time differentiating between low, normal, or high sugars. The READ MORE
Diabetes is all about numbers - your sugar numbers that is! As people have diabetes longer, their bodies have a hard time differentiating between low, normal, or high sugars. The only way to know is if you keep a glucose log or wear a continuous glucose monitor and share with your endocrinologist, to determine if insulin dose adjustment is required.

Pregnancy after thyroidectomy

During this time, I recommend you working very closely with an endocrinologist and have your thyroid labs monitored in short intervals and medication doses adjusted frequently READ MORE
During this time, I recommend you working very closely with an endocrinologist and have your thyroid labs monitored in short intervals and medication doses adjusted frequently or as needed to get you to the optimal levels for pregnancy. Please do not have a PCP or even OB manage your thyroid function.

My HbA1C reports have reduced from 7 to 4.2. Does it mean I'm no longer at risk for diabetes?

You are still at risk for diabetes since you had diabetes when your A1C was at 7, but as you have proved by changing your diet, that you can improve and sometimes reverse diabetes READ MORE
You are still at risk for diabetes since you had diabetes when your A1C was at 7, but as you have proved by changing your diet, that you can improve and sometimes reverse diabetes by lifestyle modifications. You can maintain normal levels of glucose control and A1C by continuing to monitor healthy food intake and exercise. However if you go back to eating the way you have been previously, you have a high risk of re-developing diabetes again.

Why does my mother have fluctuating diabetes levels?

Major cause of sugar fluctuations include medications and food. If your mother is taking insulin before bed that causes her sugars to drop too low in the mornings, the insulin READ MORE
Major cause of sugar fluctuations include medications and food. If your mother is taking insulin before bed that causes her sugars to drop too low in the mornings, the insulin dose needs to be changed.
Since when he sugars are low, she is likely eating something sweet or drinking juice, then her sugars rebound into high numbers. It is imperative she sees her Endo and brings them her glucose meter or glucose log to discuss medication adjustments.

Should I be checked for thyroid cancer?

American Thyroid Association currently does not have enough data to recommend family members of patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer to be screened for thyroid cancer. READ MORE
American Thyroid Association currently does not have enough data to recommend family members of patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer to be screened for thyroid cancer. This is based on the fact that thyroid cancer is still pretty rare and most thyroid cancer types are not genetic (meaning do not run in families) although this would depend on the kind of thyroid cancer your mom was diagnosed with. Have your doctor examine your neck by doing a neck exam, and if they feel anything abnormal, they can proceed with a thyroid sonogram to better look at the anatomy of the gland.

Can I get diabetes from eating sugar?

Some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others. You should be annually screened for diabetes as an adult by your primary physician. As a side note, we do not recommend READ MORE
Some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others. You should be annually screened for diabetes as an adult by your primary physician. As a side note, we do not recommend excessive or large sugar consumption even for non-diabetes patients as it leads to weight gain and other metabolic problems.

Suddenly getting dark hair on my chin. Hormonal problem?

It is not unusual for some women who undergo menopause to start to develop darker hair on the chin, this typically occurs due to drop of estrogen levels during peri menopause and READ MORE
It is not unusual for some women who undergo menopause to start to develop darker hair on the chin, this typically occurs due to drop of estrogen levels during peri menopause and menopause. Generally, this is a benign condition. However is the hairs are growing very coarse and fast and very spread out, this can be a sign of an adrenal problem and should be investigated. It never hurts to see an endocrinologist and have them run your blood work to make sure it’s the former.

What is the best way to keep type 2 diabetes at bay?

Every patient is different and there is no 1 answer. Generally, we recommend that you do the best you can with your diet and exercise, and repeat your diabetes markers. If diet READ MORE
Every patient is different and there is no 1 answer. Generally, we recommend that you do the best you can with your diet and exercise, and repeat your diabetes markers. If diet and exercise alone is not sufficient, this is when medication initiation/change starts to play a role to get the diabetes under control.

Can diabetes cause weight loss?

Generally, weight loss from diabetes occurs when someone’s sugars are extremely high, or if they were startled on certain diabetes medications that also help with weight loss. READ MORE
Generally, weight loss from diabetes occurs when someone’s sugars are extremely high, or if they were startled on certain diabetes medications that also help with weight loss. Both of these need to be discussed with the endocrinologist. If his weight continues to drop with normalization of sugars and no change in medications, other causes of weight loss should be investigated (particularly thyroid and adrenal causes).

Can yoga prevent diabetes?

Having both parents with diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes in your lifetime is as high as 50%. Doing yoga or other forms of exercise certainly help, but sometimes genetics READ MORE
Having both parents with diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes in your lifetime is as high as 50%. Doing yoga or other forms of exercise certainly help, but sometimes genetics are stronger than the benefits of exercise and diet. Regular monitoring is recommended.