Between Clinical Minds

• S4 E04 - The Limits of Blood Tests: A New Approach to Diabetes and Metabolic Health

  In this episode, diabetes focused GP Dr Gary Deed discusses the limitations of blood tests when it comes to diabetes diagnosis. For example, haemoglobin A1C may be inaccurate in certain conditions such as iron deficiency or recent blood transfusions. He points out that testing insulin levels to assess insulin resistance is controversial since lab variability makes it unreliable for clinical practice. Instead, visceral obesity, waist circumference, and BMI are more practical markers for insulin resistance. He also discusses the utility of newer tests like C-peptide and fructosamine, along with continuous glucose monitoring. Blood test interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan joins the discussion with the best blood and other diagnostic methods to detect the presence of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Dr Creegan underscores the importance of optimal ranges over standard lab reference ranges. Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

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• S4 E03 - Navigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Thyroid Fluctuations

  This discussion spans inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thyroid presentations, with autoimmunity bridging the two. Integrative GP Dr Charlotte Middleton highlights the complex nature of IBD, its growing prevalence, especially among children, and the importance of early and thorough diagnostic workups to manage it. Thyroid focused naturopath Tara Nelson discusses factors affecting the accuracy of thyroid function tests including circadian rhythm, medications, stress and the patient’s own unique set point. She delves into the various thyroid antibodies, euthyroid sick syndrome and the patient who flips between hypo and hyperthyroid presentations.   Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

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• S4 E02 - Women’s Health: Which Pathology Markers and When?

  Join naturopathic doctor Lara Briden and women’s health naturopath Katey Weekes as they discuss their philosophy around testing in general and conventional blood testing in particular. Lara Briden explains that while measuring oestrogen and progesterone levels can have their place, she prefers assessing LH, FSH, prolactin, and androgens, particularly in conditions such as PCOS. She highlights that testing for PCOS typically involves a high LH to FSH ratio, elevated androgens, and sometimes low SHBG, but emphasises that a polycystic ovary ultrasound finding isn't sufficient for diagnosing PCOS. Katey Weekes highlights that testing helps differentiate whether hormonal issues are contributing to mental health symptoms and guides her treatment. Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

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• S4 E01 - The A to Z of Conventional Blood Pathology

  Join our host Toni Chambers as she explores the foundations of conventional blood pathology with nutritional biochemist and pathology interpretation expert Dr Rhona Creegan. They discuss how laboratory reference ranges are determined, the factors that affect the results and the importance of understanding both lab reference and optimal ranges, using uric acid and TSH as examples. Dr Creegan also outlines the clinical use of derived values. Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au

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• S3 E10 - Drug-herb-nutrient interactions in thyroid health

  Deepen your understanding of drug-herb-nutrient interactions in thyroid conditions. Hear from thyroid specialist naturopath Tara Nelson, pharmacist and nutritionist James Jensen and integrative GP Dr Aparna Hegde.  Are you a Healthcare Practitioner? Join us to continue the conversation at bioconceptsengage.com.au 

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