expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Jonathan Dunn, MD

Endocrinology, Diabetes

Dr. Jonathan Dunn practices Endocrinology in Edison, NJ. Dr. Dunn 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. Dunn examines patients, determines means of testing, diagnoses, and decides the best treatment methods.
42 years Experience
Dr. Jonathan Dunn, MD
  • Edison, NJ
  • Vanderbilt Univ Sch of Med, Nashville Tn
  • Accepting new patients

Hypothyroid condition?

Yes, the reason for taking the thyroid pill on an empty stomach is certain foods bind to the thyroid hormone and decrease absorption from the gut. There is no problem not eating READ MORE
Yes, the reason for taking the thyroid pill on an empty stomach is certain foods bind to the thyroid hormone and decrease absorption from the gut. There is no problem not eating after taking the pill. You are doing well with this approach.

Are you awake for a thyroid biopsy?

A thyroid biopsy is usually a fine needle that is inserted into the thyroid nodule. The procedure itself lasts only 1-2minutes. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation. READ MORE
A thyroid biopsy is usually a fine needle that is inserted into the thyroid nodule. The procedure itself lasts only 1-2minutes. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation. A few people complain of pain but this is not limiting.

Is the GOLO pill safe?

GOLO has chromium, magnesium and zinc which are minerals needed for normal function of some enzymatic actions and are involved in different areas of glucose metabolism. There are READ MORE
GOLO has chromium, magnesium and zinc which are minerals needed for normal function of some enzymatic actions and are involved in different areas of glucose metabolism. There are also some natural extracts which are touted to increase insulin sensitivity. These are generally safe. There is no replacement for decreasing all foods, especially the grains. Losing weight is difficult, but even more so with taking insulin. Decreasing the insulin resistance will greatly improve your overall health. GOLO is a product designed to decrease insulin resistance.

Why am I getting UTIs so often?

Are you sure these are urinary tract infections and not irritation from manipulation frequently? As far as I know, there is no health risk to masturbating and will not affect growth. READ MORE
Are you sure these are urinary tract infections and not irritation from manipulation frequently? As far as I know, there is no health risk to masturbating and will not affect growth. It is not healthy to take antibiotics regularly as they change the healthy bacteria in your gut. You may want to try a lubricant when you masturbate to decrease the irritation. I recommend you take a probiotic for a few weeks. If these urinary symptoms continue, I recommend you see a gynecologist.

Symptoms of diabetes?

There are two types of symptoms of diabetes in a young woman. One type is related to insulin resistance which includes menstrual irregularities, thickened dark skin around the READ MORE
There are two types of symptoms of diabetes in a young woman. One type is related to insulin resistance which includes menstrual irregularities, thickened dark skin around the neck, under the arms and in the groin area where skin contacts other skin. The other type relates to elevated glucose, which includes frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, and blurred vision. Most of the time, there are no symptoms of diabetes and it is discovered on routine blood tests. If you are overweight, it is important to avoid simple sugars, rice, wheat and cornmeal. If you are concerned, you should have a fasting glucose and insulin level checked.

Is anesthesia safe for diabetics?

Having diabetes does not increase risk of anesthesia per se. It is well documented, however, that having an elevated glucose (generally higher than 200) increases the risk of surgical READ MORE
Having diabetes does not increase risk of anesthesia per se. It is well documented, however, that having an elevated glucose (generally higher than 200) increases the risk of surgical complications such as infection and poor healing. I generally recommend that anyone with diabetes check the glucose at about 3AM the morning of the procedure and again before leaving home prior to the operation to be sure the glucose is between 100 and 200.

Diabetes and irregular periods?

Irregular menstrual periods are frequently related to the insulin resistance, which also is associated with diabetes mellitus. I usually measure fasting insulin and glucose levels. READ MORE
Irregular menstrual periods are frequently related to the insulin resistance, which also is associated with diabetes mellitus. I usually measure fasting insulin and glucose levels. I also recommend a diet low in simple carbohydrates (rice and wheat). The goal is to decrease how much insulin is needed to keep the glucose level controlled. If the insulin level is high, then I often prescribe Metformin. This lowers the insulin level, and insulin stimulates the ovary to make testosterone and testosterone interferes with the menstrual cycle.

Am I overdosing on vitamin D?

No. The best way of telling for sure is to have a level checked. I recommend a level of 50-100ng/mL. I suspect your level will be in this range on your dose of 87.5 mcg daily.

Klinefelters or not?

It is difficult to diagnose Klinefelter before puberty. Usually puberty is delayed in these cases. The definitive test is chromosomal analysis. In the meantime I strongly recommend READ MORE
It is difficult to diagnose Klinefelter before puberty. Usually puberty is delayed in these cases. The definitive test is chromosomal analysis. In the meantime I strongly recommend that you exercise your upper body and decrease your carbohydrates as being overweight at age 14 is almost normal today; it is still unhealthy

Do I have diabetes?

You may have diabetes, but your complaints are not typical of diabetes. The urine is not usually dark with diabetes. There is almost always increased thirst not hunger with diabetes READ MORE
You may have diabetes, but your complaints are not typical of diabetes. The urine is not usually dark with diabetes. There is almost always increased thirst not hunger with diabetes being out of control. The difficulty with taking deep breaths is not part of diabetes; however, rapid breathing is. If this were diabetic ketoacidosis your would not have these symptoms for 6 weeks. I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as there may a serious underlying condition. If you cannot see your primary care doctor; please go to an Urgent Care center for an examination and blood work. Please take your symptoms seriously.

When should a diabetic go to the hospital?

There is no level of glucose that requires hospitalization. If the glucose is so low you are unable to eat to bring it up, then you need to contact the closest First Aid. If the READ MORE
There is no level of glucose that requires hospitalization. If the glucose is so low you are unable to eat to bring it up, then you need to contact the closest First Aid. If the glucose is too high and you are able to contact your physician, please do this before going to the hospital. If the glucose is too high and you are have difficulty breathing, having excessive urination, and becoming dehydrated, then you need to go the closet emergency department. The dehydration can cause coma and eventually death. Again, it is not a number, but a symptom that requires a visit from emergency medical personnel.

I have pain under my left breast?

Pain under the left breast is rarely cardiac and the fact that it occurs after eating sounds more gastrointestinal, but a heart cause needs to be excluded. People with diabetes READ MORE
Pain under the left breast is rarely cardiac and the fact that it occurs after eating sounds more gastrointestinal, but a heart cause needs to be excluded. People with diabetes are more likely to have cardiac issues without the typical chest pain. Please do not ignore these complaints. The physician prescribing your diabetes medications should be informed and a cardiology consultation seems appropriate.

Diabetes 2?

If your fasting glucose was more than 126 or the Hemoglobin A1c was elevated, then you do have diabetes. If the metformin and lifestyle modifications are controlling the diabetes, READ MORE
If your fasting glucose was more than 126 or the Hemoglobin A1c was elevated, then you do have diabetes. If the metformin and lifestyle modifications are controlling the diabetes, this is great.
Diabetes is not cured, but can be controlled, and sometimes without medications. I recommend that you think back to your eating and exercise habits before the diagnosis and what changes you have made to control the glucose levels and keep up the good work. Metformin can be taken even if the glucose levels are "normal," as this medication has been shown to prevent the glucose levels increasing again.

Blood pressure vs low potassium problem?

The potassium decreasing from the hydrochlorthiazide is common. There are several different approaches. Adding a potassium sparing diuretic is helpful. Amiloride or triamterene READ MORE
The potassium decreasing from the hydrochlorthiazide is common. There are several different approaches. Adding a potassium sparing diuretic is helpful. Amiloride or triamterene are two options. An aldosterone receptor such as eplerenone is another option. Also adding a converting enzyme inhibitor such as lisinopril can be helpful.

Does having diabetes affect kidney function long-term?

Kidney disease is a known complication of diabetes and controlling the glucose levels greatly decreases the risk. I take care of many people with diabetes and very few of them READ MORE
Kidney disease is a known complication of diabetes and controlling the glucose levels greatly decreases the risk. I take care of many people with diabetes and very few of them have serious kidney disease.

Can prediabetes be reversed permanently?

Pre-diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise and lifestyle changes and certain medications but is always present.

Can type 1 diabetes patients take pills instead of insulin injections?

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute deficiency of insulin. Insulin is absolutely needed for life. Insulin is a protein hormone that would be digested by the digestive process. READ MORE
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute deficiency of insulin. Insulin is absolutely needed for life. Insulin is a protein hormone that would be digested by the digestive process. The dosing of insulin needs to be very precise; therefore a very reliable absorption into the body is necessary.
Your question has been asked by millions of parents since 1922 when insulin was discovered and the answer is: as of May2021 there is no substitute for insulin injection. There are however insulin pumps which can deliver the insulin and the infusion site needs to be changed every 3 days and does not require multiple daily injections.

What causes a child to become prediabetic?

Prediabetes occurs when the person needs more than the usual amount of insulin to control the glucose levels. The most common cause of this is excess abdominal fat. This condition READ MORE
Prediabetes occurs when the person needs more than the usual amount of insulin to control the glucose levels. The most common cause of this is excess abdominal fat. This condition needs to be treated as if the increase insulin demand continues the person will be at risk for the pancreas' ability to make insulin and can also lead to heart disease. Decreasing the insulin needs with low-carbohydrate diet and exercise will help treat this condition. Metformin is a medication that can help and is approved for children.

What diet is best for kids with diabetes?

This is a difficult question as there are many different ideas. My feeling is that children with diabetes should not have any sweetened beverages (this includes sugar-free drinks READ MORE
This is a difficult question as there are many different ideas. My feeling is that children with diabetes should not have any sweetened beverages (this includes sugar-free drinks and foods). Children should have more protein in the diet than adults. I recommend that all the carbohydrates be given with meals as this is when the insulin is given. As with everyone who wants to be healthy, kids with diabetes should limit grains as much as possible. Eliminating processed foods as much as possible.

Levothyroxine side effects?

Levothyroxine is a natural substance and necessary to function. The only "side effects" are from the fillers in the pill, which is very rare and if the dose is too high or too READ MORE
Levothyroxine is a natural substance and necessary to function. The only "side effects" are from the fillers in the pill, which is very rare and if the dose is too high or too low. Too much thyroid hormone causes palpitations, tremor, and difficulty breathing with exercise. Too little causes cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, and fatigue.