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Understand Your Risk.
Know Your Response

Metabolic Health

Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Cardiovascular Disease
Support

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes  is when your body has trouble managing sugar levels in your blood. It's like not having the right key for the sugar to get into your cells for energy. This can make you feel tired, thirsty, and need to use the bathroom more.

Diabetes Development

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Insulin Resistance

The body's cells become less responsive to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter cells and be used for energy.




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Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis but can lead to type 2 diabetes.



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Diabetes Mellitus 
Type I

An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to very little or no insulin production. This type is typically diagnosed earlier in life.

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Latent Autoimmune
Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

LADA is a slow-progressing form of autoimmune diabetes that appears in adulthood, similar to type 1 diabetes but occurring later in life.



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Diabetes Mellitus 
Type II

Persistent high blood sugar and insulin resistance escalate, leading to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.



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Managing prediabetes is crucial as it is linked with increased risks of several other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, neuropathy (nerve damage), and kidney disease, which can develop or worsen as prediabetes progresses to more severe forms of diabetes.

Factors that Affect Blood Sugar Levels

These are factors that can affect production of thyroid hormones:

  • Diet
  • Physical Activity
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Illness
  • Hydration

Nutrients that help manage diabetes:

  • Fiber
  • Chromium
  • Magnesium
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Vitamin D
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance)

HOMA-IR is used to measure insulin resistance and beta-cell function. It is calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. The typical range for HOMA-IR is 0.5 to 1.4 for healthy individuals, with higher values indicating increased insulin resistance.

Calculate Your HOMA-IR:

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Diabetes Causes and Complications

Inherited traits and daily habits that can influence the risk of developing these conditions. Complications arising from these conditions can be severe and varied:
  • Hyper/hypoglycemia
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • Vascular and Neurological Pathology
  • Renal disease
  • Heart Disease

Signs and symptoms include high blood sugar levels that cause noticeable health issues.

Is Your Diet Helping Your Health?

Learn How to Fine-Tune Your Nutritions for Diabetes Control.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease in itself, but a group of risk factors that significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular health issues and type 2 diabetes. 

The exact causes of Metabolic Syndrome are complex and involve an interplay of genetic and lifestyle factors, including overweight, inactive lifestyle, and insulin resistance.

Signs and Symptoms

Common features of Metabolic Syndrome include:

Waist Circumference
Waist CIrcumference
High Triglycerides
High Triglycerides
Low HDL Cholesterol
Low HDL Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure
High Fasting Blood Sugar
High Fasting Blood Sugar

These symptoms collectively signal a higher risk for heart disease and other metabolic disorders. It's important to recognize these signs early, as they can often be managed or improved with lifestyle changes and medical guidance.

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Poor Diet- A diet high in fat, salt, and sugar. 
  • Obesity: Especially abdominal obesity. 
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Contributes to the development of Metabolic Syndrome. 
  • Age: The risk increases with age. 
  • Insulin Resistance: A key underlying feature of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam to measure waist circumference, blood tests to assess fats and sugar levels, and checking blood pressure. 

Managing this condition requires adopting healthier lifestyles such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise, alongside weight loss strategies and medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. It's primarily divided into two types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Why Does it Matter?

The liver is your body’s natural filter, and fat buildup can greatly impact its ability to function properly. When the liver is healthy, it’s amazing at regenerating itself. But when it's burdened with excess fat, liver cells can become inflamed and damaged.
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Healthy Liver

A healthy liver has a smooth, uniform appearance and a deep reddish-brown color. It performs over 500 vital functions, including filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
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Fatty Liver

In contrast, a fatty liver becomes enlarged and pale, and it’s often marked with white fatty deposits. This condition impairs the liver's ability to function efficiently and can lead to inflammation or, in severe cases, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

How Does It Develop?

Fatty liver often develops from lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and carrying excess weight, particularly around the middle. It can also be influenced by genetics and underlying health conditions such as diabetes.

FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4)

FIB-4 is used to assess liver fibrosis in individuals, particularly those with chronic liver diseases like Hepatitis C or fatty liver disease. It is calculated using age, AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), and platelet levels. The typical range for FIB-4 is below 1.45 for a lower likelihood of significant fibrosis, with higher values suggesting the need for further assessment.

Calculate Your FIB-4:

AST (IU/L): Enter your Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) level in international units per liter.

ALT (IU/L): Enter your Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) level in international units per liter.

Low Risk:

score < 1.45 - Indicates a low likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis. Patients in this category may not need further immediate invasive testing, but ongoing monitoring is advised.

Intermediate/Indeterminate Risk:

score between 1.45 and 3.25 - This range suggests an intermediate or uncertain level of risk. Further testing, such as imaging or a liver biopsy, may be recommended to assess the extent of fibrosis.

High Risk:

score > 3.25 - Suggests a high likelihood of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Individuals in this category are likely to require further diagnostic testing and specialized treatment.

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Signs and Symptoms

In many cases, fatty liver presents no noticeable symptoms. However, some individuals may experience:
Fatigue
Fatigue
Abdominal Pain & constipation
Abdominal Pain
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Enlarged Liver
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Dark Urine
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Jaundice

Managing and Reversing
Fatty Liver Disease

The good news is that lifestyle changes can often help manage and even reverse fatty liver disease:
Nutritional Support
Healthy Diet
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Regular Exercise
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Healthy Weight
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Low Alcohol Consumption
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Manage Cholesterol Levels
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Control Diabetes
At Natural Endocrinology Specialists™, we understand the complexities of metabolic health and the role it plays in conditions like fatty liver disease. Our approach involves:
Personalized nutritional guidance.
Natural and clean medical practices.
Comprehensive health assessments to understand your unique risks and needs.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Dysfunction

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is like a food processor for our bodies. It breaks down what we eat, absorbs nutrients, and gets rid of waste. But sometimes, it can run into some problems, which we call GI dysfunction.

What is GI Dysfunction?

GI dysfunction is when your digestive system doesn't work as it should. This can mean stomachaches, heartburn, bloating, or more serious issues like Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Gastrointestinal (GI) Dysfunction

Signs and Symptoms

GI dysfunction can cause a range of discomforts and signal a disruption in your digestive health.

Abdominal Pain & constipation
Feeling Bloated or Gassy
Stomach pain or cramps.
Stomach Pain or Cramps
Diarrhea or constipation.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Heartburn or acid reflux.
Heartburn or Acid Reflux

Why Does It Happen?

GI dysfunction occurs due to a variety of factors such as consuming foods that irritate the digestive system, experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, contracting infections within the GI tract, or managing ongoing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease that inherently affect digestion.

Keeping Your Digestive System Happy

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber. 
  • Stay hydrated with water. 
  • Exercise regularly. 
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques.

If you're having trouble with digestion, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and tailor a treatment plan to get your digestive system back on track. 

Remember, taking care of your digestive health is key to a happy and healthy life!

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, refers to a range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. It's one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, but the good news is that it's often preventable

What Happens in Cardiovascular Disease?

Imagine your blood vessels are like highways and your blood is the traffic flowing through them. Cardiovascular disease occurs when there's a blockage or damage in these highways, making it tough for the traffic to move smoothly. 

This can happen due to a buildup of fatty deposits on the vessel walls or because of damage from high blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Disease

Common types of Cardiovascular Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

The main highways to the heart get clogged up, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Coronary Artery Disease

Stroke

A blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts, cutting off blood supply to part of the brain.

Stroke

Hypertension

A blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts, cutting off blood supply to part of the brain.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms for Cardiovascular Disease:

Chest Pain
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Shortness of Breath
Heart Palpitations or Dizziness
Heart Palpitations or Dizziness
Numbness or Weakness
Numbness or Weakness

Prevention is Key

At Natural Endocrinology Specialists, we elevate cardiovascular risk assessment through our comprehensive lipid profiling services. 

In addition to the routine annual Standard Lipid Panel that measures cholesterol and triglycerides, our advanced lipid testing delves deeper. We assess critical factors such as the quantity and size of atherogenic particles, as well as their potential impact on cardiovascular health. 

This thorough approach enables us to identify and address the more nuanced risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), offering a clearer picture of patient health and more informed pathways for care.

Our Holistic Approach for Metabolic Health 

Are you seeking a holistic and effective approach to managing insulin resistance? Look no further than Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES). 

At NES, we understand that each individual is unique, and we're committed to providing personalized care that addresses not just symptoms, but the root causes of insulin resistance. We provide the following:

Personalized Nutrition Plans: 

We believe that a balanced diet is crucial in managing insulin resistance. Our nutrition experts create personalized meal plans that are not only healthy but also enjoyable and sustainable.

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Lifestyle Modification Guidance

Lifestyle Modification Guidance:

 We help you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine in a way that suits your individual needs and preferences. Regular exercise is key in improving insulin sensitivity.

Stress Management Techniques: 

Stress can significantly impact insulin resistance. Our holistic approach includes stress reduction strategies like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation.

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Natural Supplements

Natural Supplements: 

We provide advice on natural supplements that can support your journey to better health, complementing traditional medical treatments. 

Education and Empowerment: 

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge about insulin resistance and its management, helping you to make informed decisions about your health.

Education and Empowerment

Why Choose NES?

  • Expert Care: Our team of healthcare professionals is experienced in endocrinology and holistic medicine, ensuring you receive comprehensive and expert care. 
  • Customized Treatment Plans: We understand that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Our treatment plans are tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle, and goals. 
  • Compassionate Support: At NES, we prioritize a caring and empathetic approach, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Get Started on Your Journey

Take control of your health with NES. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards managing insulin resistance holistically and effectively. Let's work together to achieve your health goals and improve your quality of life!

Resources & Blog

Fueling Metabolic Health Key Foods to Boost Your Metabolism

Fueling Metabolic Health: Key Foods to Boost Your Metabolism

Understanding and optimizing your metabolism is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Dr. Linda Khoshaba is the Leading Integrative Health and Hormone Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has extensive experience working in the field as a Hormone Specialist and Natural Endocrinologist.

Phone: 480-687-0054
Fax: 833-605-1101
Email: contact@nesaz.com
Address: 
Suite A 109
7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. 
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wed: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
This Site may include a variety of features, such as health tips and videos, services provided at Natural Endocrinology Specialists™, our online Supplement store, NESAZ Programs, email, and patient portal services. DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These programs and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is for informational purposes. Please be sure to consult your doctor before taking this or any other product/program. Consult your doctor for any health problems or before starting a new program.
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