Dr. Nicola Abate, MD
Endocrinology-Diabetes | Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
450 Blossom Street Suite B Webster Texas, 77598About
Dr. Nicola Abate practices Endocrinology in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Abate specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to hormone imbalance, and the bodys glands in the endocrine system. Dr. Abate has over 20 year experience in Diabetes, Obesity, Lipids and general endocrinology. He trained at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas where he was for 18 years first as a trainee and then as a faculty physician (from 1997 to 2008). He then moved to UTMB in Galveston were he is Tenure Professor and Chief of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes. During his 25 + years of academic work, he has published over 100 research articles and book chapters in the field of lipids, diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. He has trained a large number of young researchers and clinicians. His clinical practice is centered on reducing the risk for diabetes and its complications, including heart disease.
Board Certification
American Board of Internal Medicine
Provider Details
Dr. Nicola Abate, MD's Expert Contributions
Travel for 2 Seniors During Covid-19 Pandemic?
No. I would not advise to make a trip. READ MORE
Is yoga advisable to manage diabetes?
Yoga is fine. General advice is to walk at least 30 minutes a day 5-7 days a week. READ MORE
My husband feels extremely tired and drained out. How can I help him?
Diabetes associates with tiredness if uncontrolled. A good glycemic control should help improve his energy level. If not, other potential causes should be evaluated and treated. READ MORE
How can I lose weight if I havediabetes?
There are few medications approved for diabetes which have favorable effects on appetite and caloric balance. Their use, if indicated may help lose weight if you follow a proper diet. READ MORE
Can type 2 diabetes ever be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes can go in remission if a proper lifestyle modification is followed early on in the progression of the disease. READ MORE
If I have diabetes during pregnancy, what are the chances of my child getting it too?
The risk for acquiring diabetes is higher in people whose parents have diabetes so you child is at risk of acquiring diabetes regardless of how you manage your condition. However, managing your glycemic control will prevent pregnancy-related issues. READ MORE
When are insulin injections recommended for patients?
Patients are put on insulin injections when their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain glucose control. The high HbA1c is not the only criteria. READ MORE
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is condition of resistance to the action of insulin. So, patients with type 1 diabetes need insulin administration from the beginning of their disease whereas patients with type 2 diabetes can do well even without it (they may need insulin after years of disease progression). READ MORE
Is vitamin D deficiency normal in diabetes patients?
It is common but not normal. READ MORE
My HbA1C reports have reduced from 7 to 4.2. Does it mean I'm no longer at risk for diabetes?
Diabetes can be in remission but there is no cure so you are at risk for diabetes even when your HbA1c has normalized. READ MORE
My mother suffered from 3 episodes of hypoglycemia in a day. Will she be okay?
Hypoglycemia needs to be avoided. She should be seen by a physician and do therapy. READ MORE
Why do I feel chills after taking my medication?
Difficult to answer your question without knowing which diabetes medication and your sugar control. Chills could be related to low sugars after taking insulin. READ MORE
If my HBA1C is 5.2, am I prediabetic?
No. This is a normal level of HbA1c READ MORE
Is watermelon good for patients with diabetes?
There is fructose, a sugar, in water melon. You can eat any type of fruit in moderation. READ MORE
Do complex carbs help in reducing my insulin levels?
Complex carbs will also raise the sugar levels but you can eat in moderation. READ MORE
I am gaining a lot of weight even when I exercise?
Weight gain with exercise is usually related to eating more calories. However, if your weight gain is due to increase in muscle mass, that is healthy. Metformin in not known to contribute to weight gain. READ MORE
When is a person advised to go on insulin treatment?
If the HbA1c is not at goal with non-insulin treatment, diet and exercise, then it is probably necessary to start insulin, READ MORE
Can diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is more common in diabetes. However, sex drive reduction may be a symptom related to decreased testosterone levels. READ MORE
If I avoid medicines and concentrate on lifestyle, can I win over diabetes?
Life-style change has a major impact on glucose levels and some of the diabetes complications. However, medications are important to reduce overall risk of complications, particularly those related to cardiovascular disease. READ MORE
I am feeling very thirsty lately. Could it be a sign of diabetes? Should I get myself checked?
You should definitively be checked. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor and Chief of Endocrinology UTMB 2008 - 2018
Professional Memberships
- American Diabetes Association; American Association of Clinical Endocrinology; American Medical Association
Internships
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Fellowships
- Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Professional Society Memberships
- American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, Obesity Society
Articles and Publications
- Over 100 Publications
What do you attribute your success to?
- Great mentors, passion for science and medicine.
Favorite professional publications
- Journal of the American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine
Areas of research
Obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetesDr. Nicola Abate, MD's Practice location
Baytown, Texas 77521Get Direction
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Media Releases
Get to know Endocrinologist Dr. Nicola Abate, who serves patients in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Abate is Professor and Chief Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. For more than 125 years, UTMB has stood with Texas – training the health care workforce; helping make the state a leader in advancing the understanding and treatment of illness and injury; serving as a major provider of healthcare for Texans and their families; and innovating the future of how care is delivered. What began as one hospital and medical school building in Galveston is now a major academic health sciences center of global influence, with medical, nursing, health professions and graduate biomedical schools; a world-renowned research enterprise; and a growing, comprehensive health system with hospitals on four campuses and a network of clinics. Dr. Abate received his medical degree in 1985 from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia – School of Medicine. He then went on to complete an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the same University. Upon relocating to the United States, Dr. Abate completed his fellowship training in Endocrinology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by his residency in Internal Medicine at the same medical center. Dr. Abate is board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and in Lipidology by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). He also holds professional memberships with the Obesity Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American College of Physicians. As director of the Endocrinology Division, Dr. Abate leads a clinical and research program with a special focus on obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to develop effective strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones. Endocrinologists, like Dr. Abate, 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 and thyroid disorders – among others. During his 25 + years of academic work, Dr. Abate has published over 100 research articles and book chapters in the field of lipids, diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. He attributes his success to great mentors and his passion for science and medicine.
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