EXPERT
Dr. Gopinath Sunil, M.D.
Endocrinology-Diabetes
Dr. Gopinath Sunil practices Endocrinology in Naples, FL. Dr. Sunil specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to hormone imbalance, and the bodys glands in the endocrine system. Endocrinologists are trained and certified to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause, diabetes, infertility, and thyroid disorders, among many others. Dr. Sunil examines patients, determines means of testing, diagnoses, and decides the best treatment methods.
37 years
Experience
Dr. Gopinath Sunil, M.D.
- Naples, FL
- Med Coll, Univ Of Kerala, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Is hyperthyroidism serious?
It could be, especially via heart arrhythmia and unmasking heart attacks. Unnecessary anxiety, bone loss through accelerated metabolism and visual phenomena are also bothersome READ MORE
It could be, especially via heart arrhythmia and unmasking heart attacks. Unnecessary anxiety, bone loss through accelerated metabolism and visual phenomena are also bothersome issues to deal with. Dr Sunil
How long does it take to recover from thyroid surgery?
About a week to be able to go back to work. Wound healing should be completed in about three months. GS
What is the best diet for type 2 diabetes?
A good diet for type 2 diabetes is one that is low in saturated fat. Saturated fat blocks insulin action at the receptor level, which will be antagonistic to diabetes management. READ MORE
A good diet for type 2 diabetes is one that is low in saturated fat. Saturated fat blocks insulin action at the receptor level, which will be antagonistic to diabetes management. So I would avoid butter, peanut butter (because it contains palm oil or coconut oil which is also saturated fat), and sausages, bacon and burgers. Avoid concentrated sugar that spikes glucose, and use gelatin pre-meals to reduce sugar spikes. I would put in exercise after every meal to move glucose more efficiently to the muscle compartments. You should use lean protein like eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, or pork; and use bread/potatoes/rice as the main carb along with vegetables. The overall caloric value should be 1200-1500 per day.
Diabetic feet?
Hi,
It seems you have restless legs syndrome, for which mirtazapine 1 mg can help at night. You may also have this symptom from diabetic neuropathies. This should be amenable READ MORE
Hi,
It seems you have restless legs syndrome, for which mirtazapine 1 mg can help at night. You may also have this symptom from diabetic neuropathies. This should be amenable for better metabolic control.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
It seems you have restless legs syndrome, for which mirtazapine 1 mg can help at night. You may also have this symptom from diabetic neuropathies. This should be amenable for better metabolic control.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Blood testing for diseases?
I would ask for an A1c, fasting glucose, insulin level and lipid profile.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Is it normal to gain weight while on an insulin pump?
Yes. Once diabetes gets better controlled, there is less sugar being excreted in the urine. If your kid's diet and exercise are not adjusted according to her sugars and insulin READ MORE
Yes. Once diabetes gets better controlled, there is less sugar being excreted in the urine. If your kid's diet and exercise are not adjusted according to her sugars and insulin doses regulated in the pump, she will have weight fluctuations.
Thanks again for your email.
Dr. Sunil
Thanks again for your email.
Dr. Sunil
What is the best way to stop bleeding in a diabetic patient?
Thanks for your email.
Actually, thickening of the blood and clot formation is the norm for diabetics, and less bleeding, only if you are taking blood thinners. Typically, READ MORE
Thanks for your email.
Actually, thickening of the blood and clot formation is the norm for diabetics, and less bleeding, only if you are taking blood thinners. Typically, we advise diabetics to take a baby aspirin and fish oil to help thin their blood and improve circulation. If they get a nose bleed or cerebral hemorrhage, it's typically from poorly controlled blood pressure, which requires tight control of blood pressure. Local pressure, tourniquet application and surgical remedies including ligation or cauterization of the bleeder is indicated for more severe cases.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Actually, thickening of the blood and clot formation is the norm for diabetics, and less bleeding, only if you are taking blood thinners. Typically, we advise diabetics to take a baby aspirin and fish oil to help thin their blood and improve circulation. If they get a nose bleed or cerebral hemorrhage, it's typically from poorly controlled blood pressure, which requires tight control of blood pressure. Local pressure, tourniquet application and surgical remedies including ligation or cauterization of the bleeder is indicated for more severe cases.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
When are insulin injections recommended for patients?
Hi, thanks for your question.
Your HbA1c at 11 is high enough to suspect pancreatic failure, where your pancreas is sufficiently tired, to produce any insulin. This calls READ MORE
Hi, thanks for your question.
Your HbA1c at 11 is high enough to suspect pancreatic failure, where your pancreas is sufficiently tired, to produce any insulin. This calls for insulin, and your doctor, I am sorry to say, is totally wrong about his/her advice. You require insulin at this point to help your pancreas recover, and once it does so, you can get off of insulin as well. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to overstimulate your pancreas and accelerate aging, which is probably what your doctor has advised you now. Please get a second opinion with an endocrinologist, NOT a primary care doctor!
Good luck,
Dr. Sunil
Your HbA1c at 11 is high enough to suspect pancreatic failure, where your pancreas is sufficiently tired, to produce any insulin. This calls for insulin, and your doctor, I am sorry to say, is totally wrong about his/her advice. You require insulin at this point to help your pancreas recover, and once it does so, you can get off of insulin as well. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to overstimulate your pancreas and accelerate aging, which is probably what your doctor has advised you now. Please get a second opinion with an endocrinologist, NOT a primary care doctor!
Good luck,
Dr. Sunil
My HbA1C reports have reduced from 7 to 4.2. Does it mean I'm no longer at risk for diabetes?
Hi,
Yes. It means that you are not a diabetic now; and your risks are that of a healthy individual. However, if you change your lifestyle to a less rigorous one - especially READ MORE
Hi,
Yes. It means that you are not a diabetic now; and your risks are that of a healthy individual. However, if you change your lifestyle to a less rigorous one - especially your diet - you can revert back to a diabetic state any time.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Yes. It means that you are not a diabetic now; and your risks are that of a healthy individual. However, if you change your lifestyle to a less rigorous one - especially your diet - you can revert back to a diabetic state any time.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
My son is 8 years old. He is always thirsty. Could he be diabetic?
Hi,
Your son could have hyperglycemia related thirst. Thirst mechanism is triggered every time the body loses significant water weight. It will be a good idea to have his blood READ MORE
Hi,
Your son could have hyperglycemia related thirst. Thirst mechanism is triggered every time the body loses significant water weight. It will be a good idea to have his blood sugar and urine sugar measured, especially if he is losing weight as well.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Your son could have hyperglycemia related thirst. Thirst mechanism is triggered every time the body loses significant water weight. It will be a good idea to have his blood sugar and urine sugar measured, especially if he is losing weight as well.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
My premature baby has high sugar levels. I am worried. Please help.
This could be due to the baby's stress; if he or she is getting steroids for lung maturation that could be a reason as well. We may need to wait longer - if baby is not on steroids, READ MORE
This could be due to the baby's stress; if he or she is getting steroids for lung maturation that could be a reason as well. We may need to wait longer - if baby is not on steroids, then he or she may benefit from a screening for type 1 DM with anti islet cell antibodies and GLUT 4/GAD antibodies also.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Can diabetes in men affect their fertility?
I am assuming that your husband's diabetes is of the type 2 version. As such, this does not constitute any risk for the baby; except for the fact that he may have some infertility READ MORE
I am assuming that your husband's diabetes is of the type 2 version. As such, this does not constitute any risk for the baby; except for the fact that he may have some infertility issues, if he is obese. Make sure that he is exercising well, and reduce stresses. Good luck!
Dr Sunil
www.glandscenter.com
Dr Sunil
www.glandscenter.com
My sugar levels are high. What to do next?
You could have diabetes. The next step is to corroborate with an A1C test. This is also a blood test, and if this also comes back as over 6, then it confirms the diagnosis. You READ MORE
You could have diabetes. The next step is to corroborate with an A1C test. This is also a blood test, and if this also comes back as over 6, then it confirms the diagnosis. You should start with a better diet, stop all concentrated sugars like juices (which is a good thing for anyone), reduce fatty foods, balance protein intake, and exercise after every meal for 10 minutes. Please visit my website, www.glandscenter.com for further details and contact info.
Good luck!
Dr. Sunil
Good luck!
Dr. Sunil
As I am a diabetic, what to do for my leg injury?
Depends on the level of control of your sugars as well as the medications used to control your sugars. If you are using sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, READ MORE
Depends on the level of control of your sugars as well as the medications used to control your sugars. If you are using sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, etc.) you may have chronic non healing.
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Thanks,
Dr. Sunil
Will my blood sugar levels reduce if I exercise and reduce weight?
Of course you can. Thanks.
Can I take Insulin to control blood sugar?
Hi
It is better to start taking insulin as your blood glucose is taking longer to come down (meaning, your pancreas is weak). You may need only 3-4 units of short acting insulin READ MORE
Hi
It is better to start taking insulin as your blood glucose is taking longer to come down (meaning, your pancreas is weak). You may need only 3-4 units of short acting insulin premeal to help with this. You may also try avoiding fatty foods for a week or so and see if sugars are better, before trying the insulin - in which case, all you have to do is to avoid fat in meals.
Thanks
Dr Sunil
It is better to start taking insulin as your blood glucose is taking longer to come down (meaning, your pancreas is weak). You may need only 3-4 units of short acting insulin premeal to help with this. You may also try avoiding fatty foods for a week or so and see if sugars are better, before trying the insulin - in which case, all you have to do is to avoid fat in meals.
Thanks
Dr Sunil
glycemic index in foods
Hi,
Thanks for the mail. Glycemic index refers to the speed with which glucose from foods appear in the blood. This is highest for concentrated carbs like candy, cola beverages, READ MORE
Hi,
Thanks for the mail. Glycemic index refers to the speed with which glucose from foods appear in the blood. This is highest for concentrated carbs like candy, cola beverages, juices and carbohydrate consumed without adequate protein, like bread. It's best to balance meals with 40% carbs, 40% protein and just 20% fat, and make sure that the fat is unsaturated or
polyunsaturated.
Thanks
Dr Sunil
Thanks for the mail. Glycemic index refers to the speed with which glucose from foods appear in the blood. This is highest for concentrated carbs like candy, cola beverages, juices and carbohydrate consumed without adequate protein, like bread. It's best to balance meals with 40% carbs, 40% protein and just 20% fat, and make sure that the fat is unsaturated or
polyunsaturated.
Thanks
Dr Sunil
I am a diabetic since 8 years. Will me being diabetic affect my baby?
Hi
Being a diabetic certainly does increase risks for your pregnancy. Your diabetes control may get a little worse during pregnancy
Being a diabetic certainly does increase risks for your pregnancy. Your diabetes control may get a little worse during pregnancy
Suddenly getting dark hair on my chin. Hormonal problem?
This is a significant symptom of insulin resistance. You may have noted skin tags or darkening of skin on the back and sides of the neck, below the breasts or in the armpits and READ MORE
This is a significant symptom of insulin resistance. You may have noted skin tags or darkening of skin on the back and sides of the neck, below the breasts or in the armpits and groin, or increasing abdominal girth, these are some of the symptoms of the same. This is a prediabetic condition which slowly zaps your pancreas and makes you develop type 2 diabetes. In the process that usually takes 15 years, your body ages rapidly and there are risks of heart attacks and stroke. One of the features of this
condition is increase in male hormone and reduction in female hormone, which messes up menstrual cycles and makes the ovaries bigger and cystic. We call that polycystic ovaries. This condition is very easy to treat with a proper diet and minimum medications. Please consult an endocrinologist. Rarely we may need to image your ovaries to make sure there is no tumors there that could be responsible for this condition as well.
Hope this helps!
Dr Sunil
condition is increase in male hormone and reduction in female hormone, which messes up menstrual cycles and makes the ovaries bigger and cystic. We call that polycystic ovaries. This condition is very easy to treat with a proper diet and minimum medications. Please consult an endocrinologist. Rarely we may need to image your ovaries to make sure there is no tumors there that could be responsible for this condition as well.
Hope this helps!
Dr Sunil
Diabetes affecting my baby
If your glucose has been staying stable, there's a good chance that you will have a normal delivery and baby outcome. However, if your last ultrasound showed increase in baby READ MORE
If your glucose has been staying stable, there's a good chance that you will have a normal delivery and baby outcome. However, if your last ultrasound showed increase in baby size (birthweight over 9 lbs) with corresponding low amniotic fluid, then your baby may have fetal distress, you may need a C section and your baby may have neonatal hypoglycemia.
Hope this helps and good luck!!
Thanks
Dr Sunil
Hope this helps and good luck!!
Thanks
Dr Sunil