Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, MD
Endocrinology-Diabetes | Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
2010 Church St Suite 410 Nashville TN, 37203Rating
4/5
About
Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, MD is a highly respected endocrinologist based in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the owner of MidState Endocrine Associates, affiliated with Williamson Medical Center, where she has been serving patients for over 41 years. Dr. Jerkins is board-certified in endocrinology and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), which is a testament to her knowledge and expertise in the field. She is also an Assistant Professor of Endocrinology for the School of Physician Assistant Studies. Dr. Jerkins is committed to providing her patients with personalized care, empowering them to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, MD's Videos
Education and Training
University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences Bachelor Degree 0
University of Tennessee College of Medicine medical degree 0
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine - Certified in Endocrinology
American Board of Internal Medicine - Certified in Internal Medicine
Provider Details
Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, MD's Expert Contributions
Can you get diabetes later in life?
Type 2 diabetes risk increases with age. Type 1 can also occur at any age but is more common in people less than 30. READ MORE
Diabetic question?
You are on a really low dose of metformin. Ask your doctor about increasing the amount of metformin. You can take up to 2000mg a day. READ MORE
Does diabetes get worse with age?
If you are in good control diabetes does not get worse with age. With type 1 diabetes this is particularly true. If you are a type 2 patient you must also address cardiovascular risk factors as that can worsen with age. READ MORE
Borderline diabetic?
If you are 140 or less 2 hours after eating you are in the normal range. Diet is the key to preventing diabetes. Sounds like you are doing a great job. READ MORE
Can hypothyroidism hair loss be reversed?
Normally it should grow back. If your TSH is in the normal range and your hair isn’t growing get a scalp biopsy. Hair loss can be a separate disorder. READ MORE
What can I do to lower my blood sugar?
When you have been a diabetic for twelve years you have fewer insulin making cells available. Weight reduction and exercising 15 minutes a day may lower sugars but you need to have a HgbA1C under 6.5%. If you can get your sugars under control with lifestyle changes you still need to manage your other heart risk factors which usually require medication. TJ READ MORE
Can diabetes cause muscle weakness?
Older diabetics can get sarcopenia which is a loss of muscle mass or a decrease in muscle mass due to amyotrophy. Because of the twitching, I would take her to a neurologist first. TJ READ MORE
Taking cinnamon for diabetes?
The reports of cinnamon on blood sugars and cholesterol are observations. The American Diabetes Association does not recommend cinnamon supplements and it can be dangerous if you have liver disease. READ MORE
Is it dangerous to go under anesthesia with diabetes?
You have an increased risk for stroke and heart attack. I ask all of my patients to have a stress test before anesthesia when they have T2DM because induction of anesthesia is associated with changes in blood pressure and heart rate that are similar to a stress test. READ MORE
Diabetic finger stick?
They may not know it is an acceptable site or the hospital policy makes them use finger sticks only. I use the heel of the hand in my practice. READ MORE
Does caffeine also raise blood sugar?
Caffeine causes the liver to release glucose so this can cause morning sugars to rise even if you have not eaten anything. READ MORE
Thyroid test results?
If you are saying your free T4 was slightly elevated but you have an elevated TSH it probably means you have a low level of thyroid binding globulin and a low T4 total. With the elevated TSH I would check the total T4 and if it is low I would increase your thyroid hormone dose. TJ Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS READ MORE
Diabetic question?
If you are having trouble with lows because of being on insulin or sulfonylurea drugs a Gatorade cube every 30-60 minutes should do it. If not on either drug protein snacks every 3-4 hours will cover without running you too high. Sometimes you can also alter your drug therapy in tournament days. Discuss this with your doctor. TJ Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS READ MORE
Diabetes management?
You are not on enough long-acting insulin if you rise 100 points. That is your Toujeo. Speak to your doctor because even the 200 values are too high. At your age, you need to be 100-180 78% of the time TJ. READ MORE
Diabetes management?
Call your doctor immediately. You will either need some of the amaryl or insulin to bring you down. If you stay that high you can get dehydrated. TJ. READ MORE
Stage 3 kidney?
If you have stage 3 kidney disease you need to see a nephrologist as soon as possible. I would ask my primary care for a referral to a nephrologist. There are 5 stages of kidney disease. Stage 5 is end-stage. We now have drugs that can slow the progression of kidney disease. READ MORE
How does tablet Ondero help to control my diabetes?
This drug is a member of the DPP4 class of drugs. It keeps your body from breaking down a hormone called GLP1. This hormone increases insulin when you eat and turns off glucagon when you are eating. It does not usually cause hypoglycemia if you are only taking it and not with a sulfonylurea drug or insulin. If your HgbA1C is 8%, the drug should lower it to less than 7.5%. TJ READ MORE
Am I overdosing on vitamin D?
That isn’t a huge amount, but you can have a level drawn to see if you are in normal range. For most healthy people, 50 mg is enough. TJ READ MORE
What is the best spot in the body for insulin injections?
The abdomen is the best spot because the absorption of insulin is more consistent. It can vary more in arms and legs. TJ READ MORE
Microprolactinoma patient?
Microprolactinomas are generally easy to treat and don’t require surgery when responsive to medications like cabergoline. Prolactin elevations do suppress testosterone, so you want to make sure both of these hormones are in the normal range. I would tell your partner, but also tell them that this condition is completely treatable and should not cause infertility if adequately treated. TJ READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Assistant Professor of Endocrinology School of Physician Assistant Studies -
Awards
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010) Year
- Patients' Choice Award 2018
- Top 10 Doctor - Metro Area 2014
- Top 10 Doctor - City 2014
Treatments
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Vascular Disease
Fellowships
- Arrowhead Neuroscience Foundation Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology 2019
- Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Neurorehabilitation 2000
Internships
- University of Tennessee Affiliated Hospitals
Fellowships
- University of Tennessee Affiliated Hospitals (Endocrinology) / Arrowhead Neuroscience Foundation2019Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, MD's Practice location
MidState Endocrine Associates
2010 Church St Suite 410 -Nashville, TN 37203Get Direction
Midstate Endocrine Associates
300 25th Ave. North Suite 201 -Nashville, TN 37203Get Direction
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Media Releases
Get to know Endocrinologist Dr. Terri W. Jerkins, who serves patients in Nashville, Tennessee.
A seasoned endocrinologist, Dr. Jerkins is an Assistant Professor for the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Back in the early days of her academic career, she obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, before graduating with her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She then went on to complete her internship, residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in endocrinology and clinical metabolism at the same educational venue.
Following her training, the doctor attained board certification in endocrinology, diabetes, clinical metabolism and internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.
Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones. Endocrinologists have the training to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in the body. The common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes mellitus, as well as adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid disorders, among others.
Among her various accolades, Dr. Jerkins has been the recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award (2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010), Patients’ Choice Award (2018), Top 10 Doctor – Metro Area (2014), and Top 10 Doctor – City (2014).
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SAINT THOMAS MIDTOWN HOSPITALl
2000 CHURCH ST NASHVILLE TN 37236SAINT THOMAS HOSPITAL FOR SPECIALTY SURGERYl
2011 MURPHY AVENUE NASHVILLE TN 37203