EXPERT
Dr. Terri Jerkins, M.D.
Endocrinology-Diabetes
Dr. Terri Jerkins practices Endocrinology in Nashville, TN. Dr. Jerkins 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. Jerkins examines patients, determines means of testing, diagnoses, and decides the best treatment methods.
Dr. Terri Jerkins, M.D.
- Nashville, TN
- University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences
- Accepting new patients
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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.
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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.
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.
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 READ MORE
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
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. READ MORE
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
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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.
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.
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 READ MORE
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
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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 READ MORE
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
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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 READ MORE
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.
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.
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 READ MORE
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.
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 READ MORE
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
TJ
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
TJ
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
TJ
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 READ MORE
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
TJ
