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

Can an overactive thyroid increase risk of heart problems?

Untreated over-active thyroid can definitely lead to heart problems such as arrhythmia (where your heart rhythm is no longer normal), and congestive heart failure. There are very READ MORE
Untreated over-active thyroid can definitely lead to heart problems such as arrhythmia (where your heart rhythm is no longer normal), and congestive heart failure. There are very routine treatments for Hyperthyroidism and should be treated by a specialist.

What can I do to lower my blood sugar?

Working with a nutritionist and exercising regularly can help to lower blood sugars without medication. Other ways to help lower sugar levels is to increase water intake and substitute READ MORE
Working with a nutritionist and exercising regularly can help to lower blood sugars without medication. Other ways to help lower sugar levels is to increase water intake and substitute soda and just for non-sweet drink options. Cutting back on salad dressings that contain high sugar contents helps, all leading back to working with a nutritionist.

When is one recommended insulin injections?

If you are on optimal/full doses of several oral medications and such levels are still above goal, we generally proceed to insulin therapy or other injectable options (that are READ MORE
If you are on optimal/full doses of several oral medications and such levels are still above goal, we generally proceed to insulin therapy or other injectable options (that are not insulin, for type 2 diabetes) in addition to some oral options.

What is the treatment for urinary incontinence?

You should be evaluated for a urinary tract infection or other urinary issues. Diabetic patients do not have the typical symptoms of pain/burning on urination with infections, READ MORE
You should be evaluated for a urinary tract infection or other urinary issues. Diabetic patients do not have the typical symptoms of pain/burning on urination with infections, and change in symptoms needs investigating.

My mother has internal pain in her legs. Is it diabetic neuropathy?

Treatment for pain depends on the cause. She should be evaluated starting with a primary doctor and then possibly a neurologist to determine the cause of her pain.

Should I be concerned about cysts on my thyroid?

Thyroid masses vary from liquid cysts (which are generally not harmful) to solid thyroid modules (which have higher risk of cancer). Best next step is to have a dedicated thyroid READ MORE
Thyroid masses vary from liquid cysts (which are generally not harmful) to solid thyroid modules (which have higher risk of cancer). Best next step is to have a dedicated thyroid sonogram to better differentiate wether your is a nodule or a true cyst. Cysts are generally just monitored, unless they cause difficulty swallowing, and at that point can be either drained or cauterized with ethanol (done by specialized endocrinologists).

Can diabetes cause heart complications?

Yes, one of the main causes of heart disease in the United States is having diabetes. It is important to maintain good diabetes control to lower risk of heart problems.

Type 2 diabetes in children. Is it because my child is considered obese?

I am not a pediatric endocrinologist but younger population is being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to poor eating habits, less active lifestyle (due to introduction of modern READ MORE
I am not a pediatric endocrinologist but younger population is being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to poor eating habits, less active lifestyle (due to introduction of modern technology) and obesity. If your child is already obese, the recommendation is for the whole family to work with a nutritionist to change the type of food that is being brought into the house. The whole family should eat healthier so the child can learn better eating habits and lose weight.

How do I lose 50 lbs with diabetes?

Best way is slow and steady, and that which involves consistency. Start by working with a nutritionist to come up with a healthy meal plan and incorporate a CONSISTENT exercise READ MORE
Best way is slow and steady, and that which involves consistency. Start by working with a nutritionist to come up with a healthy meal plan and incorporate a CONSISTENT exercise routine. If this does not work, there are weight loss medications that can be utilized. But lifestyle modifications is the best first step.

When do you need to visit an internist for diabetes?

I prefer to see patients who are either newly diagnosed or are pre-diabetic so I can teach them about ways to improve the disease. I am not saying an internist can not manage READ MORE
I prefer to see patients who are either newly diagnosed or are pre-diabetic so I can teach them about ways to improve the disease. I am not saying an internist can not manage certain diabetes, but I also believe that they would appreciate you working with a specialist. When it comes to diabetes, it’s always a team approach.

How often should diabetes patients get their eyes checked?

Recommendation by ADA (American Diabetes Association) is yearly eye exam with an Ophthalmologist (MD) not an Optometrist, unless you have diagnosed eye problems from diabetes (retinopathy), READ MORE
Recommendation by ADA (American Diabetes Association) is yearly eye exam with an Ophthalmologist (MD) not an Optometrist, unless you have diagnosed eye problems from diabetes (retinopathy), then you would need to be seen more frequently at the instruction of the Ophthalmologist.

My son has juvenile diabetes. Can this lead to kidney problems?

Any type of diabetes, if uncontrolled or unmanaged, can lead to kidney disease. Work frequently with his pediatric endocrinologist and ask about continuous glucose monitors that READ MORE
Any type of diabetes, if uncontrolled or unmanaged, can lead to kidney disease. Work frequently with his pediatric endocrinologist and ask about continuous glucose monitors that he can wear and you can track his sugars constantly through your phone to help you manage this disease.

What tests measure parathyroid hormone levels?

Parathyroid hormone level can be tested through a blood test.

What is used to test for diabetes?

Most common test is hemoglobin A1c which is a 3 month average of your glucose control. Other tests like random sugar above 200 also confirms diabetes.

If I had gestational diabetes, am I at higher risk of diabetes at a later stage?

Most women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, have a 40-50% risk of developing diabetes in the future. It is important to mention your history to your primary care physician READ MORE
Most women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, have a 40-50% risk of developing diabetes in the future. It is important to mention your history to your primary care physician and have them screen you for pre- or overt diabetes at least annually.

Lyuda Shvets - Gabriel

My sugar levels are high. What to do next?

It does not mean you have diabetes, but you should have further blood work done with a physician. If your test was done shortly after you ate or drank something, your glucose READ MORE
It does not mean you have diabetes, but you should have further blood work done with a physician. If your test was done shortly after you ate or drank something, your glucose can be outside of the normal range.

Why do I feel hungry all the time?

Higher insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes stimulate appetite. This is one of the reasons one of the classes of medications doctors use to treat type 2 DM are GLP 1 READ MORE
Higher insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes stimulate appetite. This is one of the reasons one of the classes of medications doctors use to treat type 2 DM are GLP 1 agonists like Victoza or Trulicity to help suppress hunger and prevent over-eating

My mother's sugar levels are dropping, what could be the reason?

Most common culprit is her medications are making her sugars drop. She should discuss with her doctor, preferably endocrinologist how often these events are occurring and what READ MORE
Most common culprit is her medications are making her sugars drop. She should discuss with her doctor, preferably endocrinologist how often these events are occurring and what time in the (before breakfast or after meals, or if she skips a meal) to let the doctor adjust her therapy

diabetes mellitus

There are other weight loss promoting medications that your endocrinologist can recommend to help manage and improve both sugar levels and weight, aside from your current medications. READ MORE
There are other weight loss promoting medications that your endocrinologist can recommend to help manage and improve both sugar levels and weight, aside from your current medications. Not everyone responds to the medication in the same way. You may need a change in therapy

How to improve my sugar level?

Lifestyle modifications are always the first step in management when you have type 2 diabetes. ADA recommend exercise of at least 150 minutes per week. Utritionist or diabetes READ MORE
Lifestyle modifications are always the first step in management when you have type 2 diabetes. ADA recommend exercise of at least 150 minutes per week. Utritionist or diabetes educator is also a great source to help change bad diet habits and come up with reasonable meal plans for you.