To make an appointment or to get more information about our Endocrinology Services, call us at 832-355-1000.
St. Luke's Endocrinology section specializes in diseases of the endocrine glands. These glands release hormones directly into the circulatory system. Common conditions treated by endocrinologists are diabetes mellitus and both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions.
WE CAN HELP WITH DIAGNOSIS
We have a full range of laboratory tests, invasive hormone sampling and other diagnostic procedures to detect early disease of the endocrine glands. St. Luke's also has the latest imaging techniques: CT scans, MRI, DXA, ultrasonography and nuclear medicine imaging.
The endocrinologist, by doing either stimulatory or suppressive studies, can detect early underactivity or early overactivity, respectively, of all the endocrine glands. In many instances, the correct diagnosis may be missed until the appropriate tests are performed.
St. Luke's Radiology Department has up to date MRI and CT scans to detect small endocrine tumors. Using these imaging techniques along with catheterization with either the arteries or veins to sample hormones, the endocrinologist can find very small hormone-producing tumors.
Diagnostic ultrasound of the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands can be helpful in localizing small tumors. The ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate (FNA) can help determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.
Special scanning procedures using radioactive materials can detect problems in the thyroid, parathyroids and the adrenal glands. St. Luke's also has the latest bone mineral density equipment (DXA) to detect early bone loss and osteoporosis.
WE CAN HELP WITH TREATMENT
In most cases, our endocrinologists can recommend and provide appropriate treatment for patients at St. Luke's. Our academically oriented staff keeps abreast of the latest breakthroughs in the treatment of endocrinologic disorders.
We can help with treatment of:
Diabetes
For people with diabetes, the immediate goals of treatment are the stabilize their blood sugars, restore normal body weight and eliminate the symptoms of high blood pressure. The long-term goals of treatment are to prolong life, improve the quality of life and prevent long-term complications through education, careful dietary management and weight control, physical activity, self-testing of blood sugars, foot care and close physician follow-up.
Are you at risk for diabetes? Take our diabetes risk assessment.
The St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program offers patients and families educational resources to manage diabetes for healthier lives. St. Luke's multidisciplinary team of highly qualified professionals includes diabetes nurse educators and registered dietitians who have experience in working with the individualized health management programs needed by people with diabetes.
Because many medical plans have realized how much diabetes education can improve health, they support educational programs and provide coverage for outpatient counseling fees. The initial consultation at St. Luke's, which requires a referral from a physician, includes two planned visits.
St. Luke's Diabetes Support Group meets the 1st Wednesday of the month from 12 to 1 pm in the O'Quinn Tower, suite 1180. Other details may be obtained on the Support Group telephone line at 832-355-3964.
Thyroid Disease
An overactive thyroid may be treated with antithyroid drugs, surgery or radioactive iodine. Generally, both overactive and underactive thyroid disorders are treated on an outpatient basis.
Pituitary
All functioning (hormone-producing) pituitary tumors, except for those tumors producing prolactin, are surgically treated at St. Luke's by our very experienced neurosurgeons. X-ray therapy may sometimes be used in conjunction with the surgery or may be used as the main treatment without the necessity of an operation.
Adrenal Disease
Patients having functional adrenal tumors are operated upon using the latest surgical technique - laparascopic surgery.
