Dr. Nicholas Henry Ellias Mezitis, MD, PhD
Endocrinology, Diabetes | Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
75 Hospital Dr Suite 200 Athens OH, 45701Rating
4/5
About
Dr. Nicholas Mezitis is a clinical professor at Ohio University and practices Endocrinology in Ohio. Dr. Mezitis specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to hormone imbalance and the body's meatabolism. Endocrinologists are trained and certified to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause, diabetes, infertility, and thyroid disorders, among many others.
Dr. Mezitis examines patients, determines means of testing, makes diagnoses, and decides on the best treatment methods.He educates patients in nutrition and lifestyle and uses vitamins and supplements in reversing illness and preventing disease.
Education and Training
Heidelberg University in Germany Medical Degree 1976
Provider Details
Dr. Nicholas Henry Ellias Mezitis, MD, PhD's Expert Contributions
Diabetes Mellitus Explained
What Is Diabetes Mellitus?Diabetes mellitus is a fundamental disturbance in the body’s fuel processing frequently leading to weakness, weight loss, and mood swings among other changes.Damage From Diabetes MellitusThe disruption in fuel processing seen in diabetes generates excessive swings in...
How does Glycomet SR help in losing weight?
Glycomet SR is a slow release form of metformin , a chemical used as medication that targets metabolic activity in the liver. The liver is responsible for processing nutrients absorbed from the intestine and producing fat and protein. It also stores glucose for future release to meet short-term energy requirements. The liver's pivotal role in energy balance in the body can be destabilized by hormonal deficiencies among other factors. It's cells can also become insensitive to hormonal messages. Metformin has the ability to restore the sensitivity of liver cells to hormonal messages and improve their function. This impacts energy balance in the body normalizing glucose levels and lipid levels among other benefits. When nutrients are used efficiently in energy production rather than being stored inappropriately, weight loss is realized. READ MORE
Can my thyroid be the reason behind my high cholesterol?
Low thyroid hormone levels relate to high cholesterol results. It is important to restore balance in thyroid function before trying to treat increased lipids. READ MORE
How can I lose weight if I havediabetes?
For overweight patients losing extra pounds is the key to successful diabetes management. Certain medications prescribed for diabetes, such as insulin, may promote weight gain and paradoxically frustrate our efforts to optimize glucose control efficiently. The key to weight loss and glucose control in diabetes is the proper timing of meals. Breakfast and lunch should be generous with dinner being served early with few calories. The benefits of this meal plan become evident when checking the morning (fasting) blood glucose, which drops to normal (or near normal) levels. Weight drops as well. READ MORE
Can lack of sleep cause diabetes?
Restful sleep in sync with the daily light-darkness cycle has been identified as a very important factor in preventing diabetes. Night shift work challenges the body's restorative mechanisms that operate in the evening and overnight. Problems are compounded by eating overnight when the digestive system is in rest mode. Preventing diabetes and 'reversing' diabetes depend on synchronizing our lifestyle with the day/night rhythm: generous breakfast, good lunch, light supper and early bedtime. READ MORE
What should be the emergency first steps to deal with hypoglycemia in diabetic patients?
The company should have simple sugary snacks and drinks (e.g. orange juice) readily available for dealing with hypoglycemia symptoms. A glucagon kit should be stored in the refrigerator to be injected into muscle in emergencies where the employee or customer are poorly responsive and forcing liquids or foods into their mouth would be unsafe. READ MORE
Can type 2 diabetes ever be reversed?
Yes. Lifestyle changes with physical exercise, balanced meals and mealtimes early in the day will promote weight loss and improve blood glucose results. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 are able to reduce or even stop their diabetes medication while maintaining good control. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 require much less insulin to control their blood glucose. See my book: Blueprint for a Healthy Diet: Your Diet Guide for the New Millennium at www.mer-llc.com READ MORE
Pescatarian lifestyle for type 2 diabetes?
Fish can be a healthy source of protein when consumed in good measure. We need to be aware that large fish can store significant amounts of toxic heavy metals in their flesh. Refer to EPA advisory https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech/2017-epa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish The important feature of the diet is balance with protein (fish) in proportion to other foods. See my website : www.mer-llc.com READ MORE
How can I prevent diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the form of diabetes that is usually seen in families. Prevention (or delaying its appearance) is possible if individuals remain physically active with regular exercise and avoid becoming overweight. The American Diabetes Association suggests 150 minutes of exercise a week should be a goal. I recommend that breakfast be your largest meal with lunch midday a close second. Dinner (formerly known as supper) should be very light (salad, soup with crackers) . This will make it much easier to lose weight and shrink girth , which is a major risk factor for diabetes. See my article on CHRONONUTRITION in the November 2018 issue of Diabetes Spectrum. READ MORE
What is used to test for diabetes?
Testing for diabetes can be easily done on a drop of blood from a fingerprick test. We measure blood glucose , which should never be more than 200 mg/dL. We can also get a blood glucose average estimate from a hemoglobin A1c test performed on a drop of blood. This test reflects the glucose profile representing 2-3 months and should be less than 6.5 %. READ MORE
Can weight loss help me get rid of my diabetes?
Good nutrition and weight control is the first and most important step in diabetes prevention and management. Losing weight on a balanced diet with appropriate mealtimes frequently permits people to control their diabetes without medication. Appetite suppressants, used under medical supervision, may assist in lifestyle change.. READ MORE
Can a person get diabetes at any age?
Unfortunately young people are less active these days with computer games and television competing for their time and attention. Fast food is readily available and relatively inexpensive. This combination of risk factors, sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, increases the body's resistance to insulin and results in a steady rise in blood glucose levels resulting in diabetes. READ MORE
Can I take Insulin to control blood sugar?
First you should know what your blood glucose level is before lunch. A balanced meal will increase your blood glucose by not more than 50 mg/dL. A meal rich in simple carbohydrates may increase the blood glucose by more than 100 mg/dL measured 2 hours after the meal. I would focus on achieving blood glucose levels between 80 and 120 mg/dL before your meals (fasting). A good diet with proper meal timing may help you achieve this without insulin. See my book A BLUEPRINT FOR HEALTHY EATING: YOUR DIET GUIDE FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM. READ MORE
diabetes mellitus
I would first focus on avoiding major meals after 4 PM. Breakfast and lunch are your two most important meals. You will see the effects on your weight and morning blood glucose. READ MORE
Why does my mother have fluctuating diabetes levels?
Wide fluctuations in blood glucose suggest that she is experiencing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) on a frequent basis causing a "bounce" in her blood glucose to high levels. Her medications should be adjusted to first eradicate hypoglycemia, and then to deal with the high blood glucose values. READ MORE
My son is 8 years old. He is always thirsty. Could he be diabetic?
Thirst, hunger and frequent urination are signs of diabetes. Of course, thirst may be due to other causes as well. Testing the (fingerstick ) blood glucose is a convenient way to screen for diabetes. A glucose tolerance test can be arranged if results are between 100 and 200 mg/dL. Family history is a marker for risk of developing diabetes mellitus. READ MORE
If I have diabetes, do I have to take insulin shots?
No. There are many steps in diabetes management for individuals who produce insulin, but do not achieve full benefit from its action, before insulin is even considered (lifestyle, diet, pills, injectables, etc.). READ MORE
Type 2 diabetes in children. Is it because my child is considered obese?
Weight interferes with insulin action and a sedentary lifestyle compounds the problem. Children who favor fast food, soft drinks and computer games rather than physical activity gain weight and lose control of their blood glucose. This is becoming a very big issue in our population. READ MORE
When are insulin injections recommended for patients?
Insulin is required in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. If you have been classified as Type 2, insulin is an option which may be considered after lifestyle change and oral medication have been shown to be insufficient in adequately improving your glucose profile. Insulin can be very helpful if used appropriately. Modern technologies have made its use very simple and discrete. READ MORE
Is vitamin D deficiency normal in diabetes patients?
Vitamin D deficiency is very frequently encountered in patients with diabetes, particularly if they are overweight and have not been taking vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D has important antiinflammatory properties that may help prevent diabetes complications. I supplement my patients with at least 4000 IU daily and I monitor their blood levels of vitamin D to ensure adequacy and safety. READ MORE
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes describes a condition where the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been heavily damaged and the patient requires insulin injections to sustain life. Family history does not seem to play a major role. Type 2 diabetes is heavily influenced by heritage and lifestyle. Patients produce insulin but their weight and other factors interfere with its action causing their blood glucose to drift into high ranges. Diet and oral medications usually control their diabetes, but insulin may be needed as well. In their case, treatment with insulin is an option not a necessity. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of Medicine- Combination therapy for NIDDM with biosynthetic human insulin and glyburide.
- Frozen desserts and glycemic response in well-controlled NIDDM patients.
- Combination therapy with insulin and sulfonylureas for type II diabetes.
- Stability of stored chemstrip bG.
- Silicone-induced granuloma after injection for cosmetic purposes: a rare entity of calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia.
- Dietary management of geriatric diabetes.
- Needle-stick injury.
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose: tourniquet method.
- [Parenteral nutrition with amino acids in liver insufficiency].
- [Parenteral nutrition with amino acids in liver insufficiency].
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Clinical Director Ohio Health Diabetes Endocrine Care and Education Center 2017 - Present
- Senior Consultant Endocrinology Marietta Memorial Endocrine Clinic 2016 - Present
- President Mezitis Education Research LLC 2019 - Present
- Clinical Professor of Specialty Medicine Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 2014 - Present
- Senior Attending Physician and Consultant OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital -
- Investigator Diabetes Institute of Ohio University -
- Senior Consultant Belpre Medical Campus: Department of Endocrinology -
Awards
- Bleibtreu Research Fellowship 1985 St. Luke's/ Roosevelt Hospital Center / Columbia Univ.
Treatments
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Gestational Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Goiter
Professional Memberships
- Endocrine Society
- American Diabetes Association
- Royal Society of Medicine
- Hellenic Medical Society of New York
- American College of Physicians
Fellowships
- Joslin Clinic of Harvard University Diabetes and Metabolism
- New England Deaconess Hospital Boston Diabetes and Metabolism
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Endocrinology
Dr. Nicholas Henry Ellias Mezitis, MD, PhD's Practice location
Ohio University
803 FARSON ST 100 -BELPRE, OH 45714Get Direction
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Empowering Patients with Education, Cutting-Edge Treatments, and a Focus on Lifestyle
Athens and Belpre, Ohio – Nicholas Henry Ellias Mezitis, MD, PhD, a distinguished endocrinologist and nutrition specialist, is making significant strides in the field of diabetes management and holistic health restoration. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Mezitis is committed to empowering patients through education, innovative treatment methods, and a focus on the critical role of nutrition and lifestyle in reversing illness and preventing disease.
Since joining the faculty at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014, Dr. Mezitis has held the position of Clinical Professor of Specialty Medicine and serves as the Clinical Director of the University Medical Associates Diabetes Endocrine Care and Education Center. He is also a senior attending physician and consultant at OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital and an investigator at the Diabetes Institute of Ohio University. His extensive expertise in endocrinology is further showcased through his role as a senior consultant at the Belpre Medical Campus: Department of Endocrinology.
In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Mezitis is the Founder and President of Mezitis Education Research, LLC (MER), where he focuses on patient empowerment and education to restore health through lifestyle changes. His philosophy is encapsulated in the MER maxim: "Rhythm is health; chaos is illness; flat line is death," highlighting the importance of metabolic harmony. MER prioritizes proper nutrition and the informed use of technological advances to foster research and educational activities aimed at enhancing patient care.
Dr. Mezitis’ educational journey began in Europe, where he earned his Medical Degree from Heidelberg University in Germany after commencing his studies at the National Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece. He further honed his skills through rigorous training, including an internship at George Washington University Hospital and a residency in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Mezitis completed fellowships in diabetes and metabolism at the prestigious Joslin Clinic of Harvard University and the New England Deaconess Hospital Boston, as well as in endocrinology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and other renowned institutions.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mezitis has directed the Clinical Pharmacology Program at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, founded the Mezitis Education Research Institute, LLC and Clinical Consultant Services International Ltd., as well as maintained an active consultation practice in Manhattan. His commitment to patient education has led to a deeper understanding of the origins of illness as disruptions in vital rhythms, guiding his patients toward restoring vital harmony primarily through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Mezitis is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association, the Royal Society of Medicine, and the Hellenic Medical Society of New York. His contributions to medical literature, coupled with his role as a reviewer for various journals, underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.
Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Greek, Dr. Mezitis’s multicultural background enriches his approach to patient care, allowing him to effectively communicate and connect with diverse populations.
Dr. Nicholas Henry Ellias Mezitis stands at the forefront of endocrinology and nutrition, championing a holistic approach to health that empowers patients and improves lives. His innovative work in diabetes management is a testament to his commitment to restoring health and promoting wellness through education and lifestyle change.
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