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Libu Varughese

Endocrinology-Diabetes | Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Dr. Libu Varughese practices Endocrinology in Houston, TX. Dr. Varughese 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. Varughese examines patients, determines means of testing, diagnoses, and decides the best treatment methods.
Learn More About Me
14 years Experience
Libu Varughese
  • Houston, TX
  • Mahatma Gandhi University
  • Accepting new patients

Are high blood pressure and diabetes related?

Yes, they are related in the sense that it both stems from overweight and obesity.

Can anesthesia raise blood sugar?

There maybe some medications that can raise the blood sugars but not generally. The pain after the anesthesia wears off can lead to spikes in blood sugars

What are the common symptoms of people with undiagnosed diabetes?

Increased urination, increased thirst, always hungry, losing weight, increased sleep, fatigue

What are the side effects of hypothyroidism medication?

There are usually no side effects to the medications. We see side effects when there is too much or too little of the medication

Does your emotions affect your blood sugar?

Yes it does. Stress will raise your blood sugars

How do you manage low blood sugar in public?

Keep a hard candy in your pocket. Cake icing tubes or glucose tablets will help as well. If sugars are low, then make sure you eat something to bring it back up.

How does the pituitary gland affect a child's growth?

Growth hormone is the hormone that helps a person grow taller and bigger. This hormone is made by the pituitary gland. So a normal working pituitary gland is essential

Is stevia good for diabetics?

It is neither good nor bad. It's neutral. Artificial sweeteners theoretically should not raise the blood sugars.

How do you feel when your sugar is high?

Very tired, sleepy, increased urination, increased thirst.

How can you prevent developing diabetes?

200 minutes of exercise, low carbs in your diet such as portion control, will definitely help. Start treatment early for prediabetes will also help to prevent diabetes.

Why do diabetics pee a lot at night?

They pee a lot at night because the excessive sugar is being filtered by the kidney into the urine. Water follows the sugars, leading to excessive peeing.

What fruits should diabetics avoid?

Think like this. Fruits that drip with juices are worse than those that do not drip. Apples are better than watermelons. Hope that makes sense

Is a thyroid function test painful?

Thyroid function tests are a group of blood lab tests. It is just the same as any blood work done from your arm.

What tests should I take to see my thyroid levels?

We typically will check TSH, Free T4, and Total T3

Is hypothyroidism hereditary?

If it is autoimmune for the cause of hypothyroidism, then it can be hereditary. Otherwise, typically no.

What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism?

Treatment is simple. It will be a thyroid hormone medication that you will have to take on an empty stomach once a day. It replaces the hormone that you would have normally made. READ MORE
Treatment is simple. It will be a thyroid hormone medication that you will have to take on an empty stomach once a day. It replaces the hormone that you would have normally made. Finding the correct dose will take time, but it will not be a major disruption to your life.

Does being overweight make it harder for me to lose weight?

It is slightly harder, but not impossible. If you diet, then you will lose the weight, but you are at risk of gaining it back. If you exercise, then the weight loss from dieting READ MORE
It is slightly harder, but not impossible. If you diet, then you will lose the weight, but you are at risk of gaining it back. If you exercise, then the weight loss from dieting with help keep it off.

What does a thyroidectomy do to cholesterol?

Hi, Great question. Thyroidectomy is not the reason behind cholesterol levels changes. Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) are the reasons READ MORE
Hi,

Great question. Thyroidectomy is not the reason behind cholesterol levels changes. Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) are the reasons behind elevated LDL levels and thereby increasing your cholesterol levels. Thyroidectomy leads to hypothyroidism as the thyroid gland is removed. Once thyroidectomy is done patients are usually on thyroid hormone replacement therapy. If you are on the appropriate replacement dose of thyroid hormone, then your cholesterol levels should not change from your baseline. It is advisable to see an endocrinologist for thyroid hormone replacement and other follow up. 
Hope this helps. 

How can I stop taking diabetes medication?

Typically you will need to need to do this in conjunction with a diabetes specialist to avoid complications. One study showed that a diabetes went into remission when patients READ MORE
Typically you will need to need to do this in conjunction with a diabetes specialist to avoid complications. One study showed that a diabetes went into remission when patients lost about 30 pounds.

What is worse to have diabetes type 1 or 2?

In my opinion, Type 1 is worse to have since it is permanent. Type 2 can be controlled with lifestyle changes and further guidance from your local endocrine expert.