Patient Education

West Denver Endocrinology would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

West Denver Endocrinology provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose to enter cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced.

The body normally breaks down most food into glucose, a sugar that serves as the body's main source of energy. In order for glucose to move into the cells of the body, it requires the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. In diabetics, not enough insulin is produced, which causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into cells. Too much glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels, nerves, heart, eyes and kidneys. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it is often successfully managed through diet, lifestyle modifications or medication. ...

Diet and Exercise

Developing a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen are equally important. Many people only consider improving their diet and exercise routines when they want to lose weight. However, a healthy lifestyle is essential to good health regardless of body weight or medical diagnoses. Diet and exercise should not be forgotten once weight loss goals are achieved since they are important health factors even in individuals who are at an optimal weight. ...

Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is a disorder of the immune system resulting in the overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland, or hyperthyroidism. Like most other immune system irregularities, its cause is unknown, though research to date has shown that heredity, age, gender and stress level are risk factors for the condition. Graves' disease is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism and is most common in women between 20 and 40 years of age. Graves' disease is usually treatable and may even resolve on its own over time. Left untreated, however, a severe case can become life-threatening. ...

Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, which plays an important role in managing many of the functions of the body. Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs and causes certain functions of the body to slow down. As a result of Hashimoto's disease, functions such as heart rate, brain function and the rate that the body converts food into energy, all slow down. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition. Left untreated, Hashimoto's disease may cause a variety of health complications. ...

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia means that a patient has an overabundance of calcium in the blood. While calcium is essential and plays a significant role in maintaining bone strength, muscular contraction and central nervous system function, too much calcium can be harmful. Hypercalcemia most frequently affects women over 50 years of age. Most often, hypercalcemia is due to overactivity of the parathyroid gland, known as hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate calcium blood levels. If these glands secrete too much PTH, the result is hypercalcemia. Other possible causes of this condition include hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer, inflammatory granulomas, adrenal gland disorders, very high dietary calcium intake, kidney failure, an overabundance of vitamin D and certain medications. ...

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid gland, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland excretes an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This overproduction creates more hormones than the body needs and causes many important bodily functions to speed up. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use, metabolism, heart and nervous system functions and other metabolic functions. An overproduction of thyroid hormones can lead to weight loss, irregular heartbeat and irritability. Hyperthyroidism is more common in people over the age of 60 and women are more likely than men to develop hyperthyroidism. ...

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to properly manage many important functions of the body. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use and metabolic functions. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs and causes certain functions of the body to slow down. As a result, functions such as heart rate, brain function and the rate that the body converts food into energy, all slow down. Women over the age of age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing hypothyroidism. Left untreated, this condition may cause a variety of health complications including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease ...

Insulin Pump Therapy

Insulin pump therapy, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), is a relatively recent development in diabetic care. In use for several decades, insulin pump therapy is a computerized method of insulin delivery.

While insulin pump therapy has been used in patients with type 1 diabetes for quite some time, during the past decade it has begun to be used in patients with type 2 diabetes. In both cases, the insulin pump has been found to be efficient and effective and is the preferred method of treatment for many patients. ...

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the classification for a collection of conditions that when combined together increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is also known as:

• Syndrome X
• Dysmetabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance syndrome

Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

More than 40 percent of people in the United States over the age of 60 suffer from metabolic syndrome. This condition is present when there are three or more of the following indications: ...

Metabolic Weight Loss

Obesity is a serious problem for millions of Americans, and losing weight is often challenging. Metabolic weight loss is a multidisciplinary approach to promote long-term weight loss by revving up the metabolism. Medical professionals who promote metabolic weight loss put together a plan that addresses the individual patient's needs and lifestyle. ...

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder in which an individual who consumes little or no alcohol accumulates fat around the liver. For most people who have this condition, there are no symptoms or complications. Nonetheless, because the liver is a vital organ, once NAFLD progresses causes liver dysfunction it becomes serious and potentially life-threatening. In fact, cirrhosis resulting from NAFLD is now one of the leading reasons for liver transplants in the United States. ...

Nutrition

Proper diet is essential to maintaining good health. Keeping the body well-nourished and at a healthy weight has been proven to improve mood, quality of life and longevity. It may also go a long way in preventing or controlling many serious illnesses. Obesity, which has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and an enemy of good health, can be kept at bay through proper nutrition along with a program of healthy exercise. ...

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition defined by an excess of body fat. Body fat has several important functions in the body, such as storing energy and providing insulation. Excess body fat, however, may interfere with an individual's health and well-being, particularly if a patient becomes morbidly obese. Not only does obesity interfere with everyday activities, it also increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity is a serious health issue presently reaching epidemic proportions in society. It results in medical complications and early morbidity for a great many people. Other health conditions caused or exacerbated by obesity may include heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and asthma. The good news is that obesity is a treatable ailment and that modern medicine provides more remedies for the condition than previously existed. ...

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, placing them at a high risk for fracture. In all individuals, bone wears down over time, but is replaced with new bone tissue. As people age, bone loss occurs at a faster rate than new bone is created, resulting in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the result of increasing bone loss, and is more common in older people, especially women. ...

Hyperparathyroidism FAQs

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is the primary disease associated with the parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands, located in the neck on the thyroid gland. Hyperparathyroidism results from excessive secretion of the parathyroid hormone, PTH, a hormone which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. ...

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the endocrine system, the system comprised of glands that produce essential hormones. These hormones regulate a great many bodily processes, including metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, growth and development. The glands of the endocrine system are the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat glandular diseases and hormone imbalances. ...

Goiter

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple, which is part of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland helps the body to use energy and keep warm, and keeps the muscles, the heart and other organs working efficiently. ...

Diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose to enter cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced.

The body normally breaks down most food into glucose, a sugar that serves as the body's main source of energy. In order for glucose to move into the cells of the body, it requires the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. In diabetics, not enough insulin is produced, which causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into cells. Too much glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels, nerves, heart, eyes and kidneys. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it is often successfully managed through diet, lifestyle modifications or medication. ...

Diet and Exercise

Developing a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen are equally important. Many people only consider improving their diet and exercise routines when they want to lose weight. However, a healthy lifestyle is essential to good health regardless of body weight or medical diagnoses. Diet and exercise should not be forgotten once weight loss goals are achieved since they are important health factors even in individuals who are at an optimal weight. ...

Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is a disorder of the immune system resulting in the overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland, or hyperthyroidism. Like most other immune system irregularities, its cause is unknown, though research to date has shown that heredity, age, gender and stress level are risk factors for the condition. Graves' disease is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism and is most common in women between 20 and 40 years of age. Graves' disease is usually treatable and may even resolve on its own over time. Left untreated, however, a severe case can become life-threatening. ...

Hashimoto's Disease

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, which plays an important role in managing many of the functions of the body. Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs and causes certain functions of the body to slow down. As a result of Hashimoto's disease, functions such as heart rate, brain function and the rate that the body converts food into energy, all slow down. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition. Left untreated, Hashimoto's disease may cause a variety of health complications. ...

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia means that a patient has an overabundance of calcium in the blood. While calcium is essential and plays a significant role in maintaining bone strength, muscular contraction and central nervous system function, too much calcium can be harmful. Hypercalcemia most frequently affects women over 50 years of age. Most often, hypercalcemia is due to overactivity of the parathyroid gland, known as hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate calcium blood levels. If these glands secrete too much PTH, the result is hypercalcemia. Other possible causes of this condition include hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer, inflammatory granulomas, adrenal gland disorders, very high dietary calcium intake, kidney failure, an overabundance of vitamin D and certain medications. ...

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid gland, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland excretes an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. This overproduction creates more hormones than the body needs and causes many important bodily functions to speed up. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use, metabolism, heart and nervous system functions and other metabolic functions. An overproduction of thyroid hormones can lead to weight loss, irregular heartbeat and irritability. Hyperthyroidism is more common in people over the age of 60 and women are more likely than men to develop hyperthyroidism. ...

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to properly manage many important functions of the body. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use and metabolic functions. If the thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs and causes certain functions of the body to slow down. As a result, functions such as heart rate, brain function and the rate that the body converts food into energy, all slow down. Women over the age of age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing hypothyroidism. Left untreated, this condition may cause a variety of health complications including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease ...

Insulin Pump Therapy

Insulin pump therapy, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), is a relatively recent development in diabetic care. In use for several decades, insulin pump therapy is a computerized method of insulin delivery.

While insulin pump therapy has been used in patients with type 1 diabetes for quite some time, during the past decade it has begun to be used in patients with type 2 diabetes. In both cases, the insulin pump has been found to be efficient and effective and is the preferred method of treatment for many patients. ...

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the classification for a collection of conditions that when combined together increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is also known as:

• Syndrome X
• Dysmetabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance syndrome

Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

More than 40 percent of people in the United States over the age of 60 suffer from metabolic syndrome. This condition is present when there are three or more of the following indications: ...

Metabolic Weight Loss

Obesity is a serious problem for millions of Americans, and losing weight is often challenging. Metabolic weight loss is a multidisciplinary approach to promote long-term weight loss by revving up the metabolism. Medical professionals who promote metabolic weight loss put together a plan that addresses the individual patient's needs and lifestyle. ...

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder in which an individual who consumes little or no alcohol accumulates fat around the liver. For most people who have this condition, there are no symptoms or complications. Nonetheless, because the liver is a vital organ, once NAFLD progresses causes liver dysfunction it becomes serious and potentially life-threatening. In fact, cirrhosis resulting from NAFLD is now one of the leading reasons for liver transplants in the United States. ...

Nutrition

Proper diet is essential to maintaining good health. Keeping the body well-nourished and at a healthy weight has been proven to improve mood, quality of life and longevity. It may also go a long way in preventing or controlling many serious illnesses. Obesity, which has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and an enemy of good health, can be kept at bay through proper nutrition along with a program of healthy exercise. ...

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition defined by an excess of body fat. Body fat has several important functions in the body, such as storing energy and providing insulation. Excess body fat, however, may interfere with an individual's health and well-being, particularly if a patient becomes morbidly obese. Not only does obesity interfere with everyday activities, it also increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity is a serious health issue presently reaching epidemic proportions in society. It results in medical complications and early morbidity for a great many people. Other health conditions caused or exacerbated by obesity may include heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and asthma. The good news is that obesity is a treatable ailment and that modern medicine provides more remedies for the condition than previously existed. ...

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, placing them at a high risk for fracture. In all individuals, bone wears down over time, but is replaced with new bone tissue. As people age, bone loss occurs at a faster rate than new bone is created, resulting in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the result of increasing bone loss, and is more common in older people, especially women. ...

Hyperparathyroidism FAQs

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is the primary disease associated with the parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands, located in the neck on the thyroid gland. Hyperparathyroidism results from excessive secretion of the parathyroid hormone, PTH, a hormone which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. ...

Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the endocrine system, the system comprised of glands that produce essential hormones. These hormones regulate a great many bodily processes, including metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, growth and development. The glands of the endocrine system are the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat glandular diseases and hormone imbalances. ...

Goiter

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck, below the Adam's apple, which is part of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland helps the body to use energy and keep warm, and keeps the muscles, the heart and other organs working efficiently. ...