When Primary Care Isn't Enough: How a Diabetes Specialist in Shreveport Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again

How a Diabetes Specialist Can Help You

If you're living with type 2 diabetes, you already know how tough it can be.

You're taking medications.

You're doing your best.

And yet—you still feel tired, thirsty, or just not like yourself.

If this explains how you feel living with diabetes, it might be time to talk to your doctor about seeing a diabetes specialist.

Is It Time for a Different Approach?

You may benefit from a referral if you're:

  • On diabetes medications but still have high blood sugar
  • Waking up multiple times at night to urinate
  • Always tired, thirsty, or dealing with headaches
  • Unsure what to eat—or what's actually helping vs. hurting
  • Struggling with weight gain, even with lifestyle changes

Take a Diabetes Risk Assessment

Learn More

If you’re over 40, you’re already at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You can take several steps to reduce your risk and stay healthy into your senior years. Diet and exercise are two of the best defenses. The CHRISTUS Health diabetes assessment can determine your risk factors.

Determine Your Risk Factor

Why Shreveport Struggles with Diabetes?

In Shreveport, Dr. Sirisha Thambuluru at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic offers advanced diabetes care for people who need more than the basics.

She works with patients who are already on one, two, or even three medications—but still aren't seeing the results they need.

Many patients are referred for diabetes care because their current treatments aren't working.

Many patients also struggle with weight management and are unsure of their long-term care options for diabetes.

"Many patients don't fully understand how food, movement, and medications all work together," Dr. Thambuluru said. "So we take a team approach—partnering with primary care and spending a lot of time on education."

What to Expect from Advanced Diabetes Care

At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Dr. Thambuluru takes a personalized, holistic approach that includes:

  • Adjusting or upgrading your medications with the latest options, including injectables or insulin
  • Helping you understand how to use new technology, like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors,
  • Providing one-on-one guidance around your diet, exercise, and overall routine

"It's not about throwing more medications at people," she said. "We focus on what you're eating, how you're feeling, and where we can help you build sustainable changes."

Common Misconceptions—and Real Solutions

One reason people avoid seeing a specialist is the fear of medication side effects. Dr. Thambuluru says that's completely understandable but often misguided.

"Many people hear about a side effect on social media or from a friend and are afraid to try something new," she said.

"But part of what we do is weigh the risks and benefits together. We talk through it. The truth is, treating your diabetes properly reduces your long-term risk and helps you feel better—so you can sleep, focus, and live life again."

Why This Matters Now

The more prolonged diabetes goes uncontrolled, the more damage it can quietly cause—raising your risk for heart disease, kidney damage, nerve pain, and more. But the earlier you get the right help, the easier it is to turn things around.

At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Shreveport, advanced diabetes care is just a conversation away. And it starts with a referral from your primary care provider.

What You Can Do Next

If you need help managing an existing diagnosis, call Dr. Thambuluru at 318-681-5282.
If you need a diabetes diagnosis, talk to your primary care doctor for a referral.