An Introduction to Graves’ Disease

Graves’ Disease
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As a practicing endocrinologist, Dr. Jane Schlecker treats a broad range of diseases related to abnormal thyroid function. In particular, Dr. Jane Schlecker draws on an in-depth knowledge of Grave’s disease and welcomes patients with the condition.

Graves’ disease stems from excessive activity of the thyroid gland. This occurs when the immune system releases antibodies that mimic the function of thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, which is responsible for controlling the thyroid. When the thyroid interprets these abnormally produced antibodies as TSH, it releases an excess of hormones.

The majority of Graves’ disease symptoms arise from this overproduction of hormones. Increased hormone production leads to an abnormal rise in the metabolic rate, which patients often experience as sweating, heat-intolerance, shaking, heart palpitations, and weight loss.

Some patients with Graves’ disease also experience swelling of the muscles that control eye movements and of the surrounding tissue. Signs and symptoms include dry, gritty, and red eyes and protruding eyeballs which is called exophthalmos. It can involve one or both eyes and has the potential to cause double vision, blurry vision or even loss of vision. These patients must be referred to an ophthalmologist who has experience with this condition.

Treatment of Graves’ disease most often involves addressing the hyperthyroidism. Oral anti-thyroid drugs and radioactive iodine given as a pill are commonly used for this, although some patients may require removal of the thyroid. Treatment is typically successful in controlling symptoms, but it is possible for the thyroid to become underactive with these treatments. The physician should monitor the blood tests closely and follow the individual’s signs and symptoms to avoid hypothyroidism.

Foot Care for Diabetics

 

Diabetics
Image: diabetes.org

Dr. Jane Schlecker serves as a privately practicing endocrinologist in Brooklyn, New York. There, Dr. Jane Schlecker provides continuing care and support to patients with diabetes mellitus.

Because diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves and cause decreased blood flow to the extremities, 20 percent of patients with the condition are hospitalized to treat their foot problems. Fortunately, regular medical assessment and at-home care can stave off many of these serious issues.

For the patient with diabetes, a proper foot care regimen begins with daily self-examination and cleansing. This allows the patient to notice cracked skin, sores, or changes in skin color, all of which can be early warning signs of disease. The patient should take care to check all parts of the feet, including the soles and between the toes, and should ask for help if doing so alone is difficult or impossible.

Protection from small injuries and irritation is also important and requires the selection of comfortable footwear. Shoes should not only be sturdy enough to protect from cold and heat but also should provide full coverage, including the toes. Open-toed shoes may feel good in the summer, but they leave the person vulnerable to injury and subsequent infection.

Patients should ensure that shoes fit well and have plenty of room in the toe box, so as to prevent compression. Socks should be sufficiently padded and of a moisture-wicking material, which guards against irritation and keeps the feet dry. Socks and shoes should be on the feet at all times, as even the smallest injuries can become infected. Patients with neuropathy are particularly at risk for infection since these patients may be unaware of injuries until they become quite serious.

The foot-care regimen should also include regular visits to a podiatrist, so that any presenting issues can receive timely treatment. This also allows a physician to professionally inspect the feet and to identify any issues that the patient may not have noticed.

Why and When to Self-Monitor Blood Glucose

An experienced endocrinologist, Dr. Jane Schlecker has maintained a busy private practice in Brooklyn, New York, for more than 25 years. Dr. Jane Schlecker treats many patients with varying types of diabetes mellitus.

For patients with diabetes mellitus, regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to responsibly managing the condition. A patient’s personal physician typically provides routine laboratory tests, but daily checks provide a better picture of glucose level fluctuation. This is typically accomplished using a home glucose monitor, a computerized device for calculating glucose levels.

A physician can give more detailed recommendations on how often patients should test, but those with type 1 diabetes mellitus must typically test at least three or four times per day. The actual daily frequency depends on the patients’ current health status and frequency of insulin injections. Patients with type 2 diabetes may be instructed to test less frequently. Physicians can also help patients determine how to interpret the test results and adjust insulin treatments accordingly.

Diabetes Mellitus and Foot Health

Dr. Jane Schlecker, a Brooklyn endocrinologist, helps patients manage diabetes mellitus and related complications. People affected by diabetes mellitus must pay special attention to their feet, as everyday problems can escalate into serious, limb-threatening conditions. One common issue that arises in people with diabetes mellitus centers on neuropathy, which in this context, is abnormal sensation in one or both feet. Neuropathy can cause tingling, burning, numbness and/or pain in the extremities. In addition, diabetes can deform the feet, meaning patients may benefit from therapeutic footwear that affords a better fit.

Another problem, poor blood flow to the feet, causes changes including reduced capacity to heal and to ward off infection. For this reason, it is especially important for individuals with diabetes mellitus to maintain strong cardiovascular health by not smoking and by keeping a close watch on cholesterol and blood pressure. Further, exercise helps improve circulation, though patients ought not to walk if they have foot ulcers.

It is important for people with diabetes mellitus to see a podiatrist regularly both to avoid foot problems and treat them if they arise.

Patients with diabetes mellitus should consult with a trained specialist like Dr. Jane Schlecker before deciding on any lifestyle changes related to foot health.

Chronic Conditions – Diabetes Mellitus

Dr. Jane Schlecker furnishes a high standard of treatment at her Brooklyn, New York private medical office for individuals challenged by diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus encompasses three types of chronic illnesses: gestational diabetes, and Type one and Type two diabetes. In each of the three types, the body is unable to naturally metabolize glucose, a sugar used to fuel essential biological processes. People with diabetes mellitus either have resistance to insulin or don’t have enough insulin which prevents glucose from entering the cells.

Without enough insulin, the amount of glucose in the blood gradually rises, a situation that harms tissues such as blood vessels and nerves, and organs such as the heart and the kidneys. If left untreated, diabetes mellitus can give rise to a host of debilitating conditions, among them stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased urination and thirst, blurry vision, slow healing, nausea, and dry mouth. If a person exhibits one or a combination of the above symptoms, he or she should seek medical attention from an established endocrinologist like Dr. Jane Schlecker.

An Overview of Diabetes Mellitus

After earning her MD from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, Dr. Jane Schlecker performed her internship and residency in internal medicine. She qualified for board certification in internal medicine in 1983 and accepted fellowships in endocrinology and reproductive endocrinology. In private practice since 1987, Dr. Jane Schlecker (my name was misspelled here) treats a broad range of disorders, including pituitary abnormalities, osteoporosis, parathyroid disorders, and diabetes mellitus.

There are two main types of diabetes mellitus (DM), a condition characterized by the body’s inability to use glucose, the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Normally, the pancreas produces insulin to facilitate cells’ use of glucose. DM type 1, sometimes called juvenile diabetes, occurs when no insulin, or only a small amount, is produced by the pancreas. Its onset is sudden and usually occurs at a young age. DM type 2, sometimes called adult onset diabetes, is a condition in which the cells do not properly use the insulin the pancreas produces. In some cases of DM type 2, the pancreas also produces an insufficient amount of insulin. Type 2 DM generally occurs later in life, and can take many years to develop. A third type, gestational DM, occurs in pregnant women and may improve or disappear after delivery.

The causes of DM are not known for certain, though research suggests that genetics and lifestyle are contributing factors. It is a chronic disease for which there is no known cure and it is characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood, called blood sugar. Type 1 DM is managed by regular injections of insulin, while type 2 DM can often be managed by a combination of diet and exercise, as well as oral medications. However, Type 2 patients may require insulin if oral agents fail to control the glucose.

Without proper management, both types of DM can lead to serious complications, including damage to the circulatory system, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other major complications are diabetic retinopathy, which can potentially cause blindness, diabetic nephropathy which can lead to kidney failure, and diabetic neuropathy, potentially leading to serious foot and leg problems as well as amputation.

Dr. Jane Schlecker on Maimonides Medical Center: A Symbol of Excellence in Brooklyn

An ancillary staff member at Maimonides Medical Center, Dr. Jane Schlecker has also operated a private practice in Brooklyn for more than two and a half decades. Over the last five years, Dr. Schlecker has earned five awards for her dedication to her patients.

Established in Brooklyn, New York, more than 100 years ago, the Maimonides Medical Center was originally called the New Utrecht Dispensary. After several different name changes throughout the first half of the 20th century, officials ultimately decided to name the hospital after Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon. This 12th century visionary played a significant role in the medical practices of the time and encouraged physicians to treat patients instead of merely treating diseases.

Today, physicians at Maimonides Medical Center continue to incorporate the teachings of its namesake. Indeed, the hospital has earned numerous awards for its commitment to high-quality patient care. In 2011 alone, the hospital received accolades for its excellence in cardiac care, critical care, pulmonary care, women’s health, general surgery, and stroke care. For a full list of recent awards, please visit MaimonidesMed.org.

Dr. Jane Schlecker: Pituitary Disorders and their Diagnosis

A community-focused Brooklyn endocrinologist, Dr. Jane Schlecker emphasizes highly personalized care in treating patients with diabetes mellitus and other endocrine conditions, such as adrenal disorders, thyroid diseases, and pituitary abnormalities. A pea-sized gland located at the brain’s base, the pituitary, sometimes called the master gland, plays an outsized role in directing a number of glands throughout the body. In particular, it regulates the production of cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormone. It also generates growth hormone, which is critical in height regulation. In addition, the pituitary stores prolactin which is important for milk production, and antidiuretic hormone which is important in regulating the amount of fluid in the body.

Malfunctions of the pituitary are often caused by infections, benign tumors, inflammation, cysts, bleeding, autoimmune processes, and injuries. In addition, brain radiation therapy is a potential cause of pituitary malfunction.

Pituitary disorders can be extremely difficult to diagnose because of the broad number of potential neurological and hormonal symptoms. Getting diagnosed by a trained professional is an important first step for individuals who may be experiencing some of the standard signs and symptoms of a pituitary tumor. These include visual changes, headache, weight gain, fatigue, irregular menses, aching joints, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, unexpected milk production, changes in blood pressure, changes in blood sugar, and muscle weakness. In addition to patient symptoms, physicians can order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), urinary hormone levels, and blood tests to assist in the diagnosis.

There are three ways to treat pituitary tumors. These treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to destroy the tumor cells, and drug therapy to shrink and sometimes eradicate the tumor. Certain drugs can also block the pituitary gland from making too much hormone.