Who is a Diabetologist?
Diabetologists are endocrinologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with diabetes mellitus, which develops when the pancreas no longer produces insulin in the way it should. Diabetes causes the sugar level to drastically fluctuate or elevate. So, we require insulin to regulate our blood sugar levels.
A diabetologist investigates the cause and type of diabetes and suggests management plans accordingly. It is primarily an outpatient specialty but complications might require admission in the hospital.
There are three types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
When should you see a Diabetologist?
You should see a diabetologist in case you have the following:
- Extreme hunger or thirst
- Unplanned weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Unusual fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Sores that heal slowly
The signs in Type 2 diabetes are so mild that you barely notice them creeping in.
Type 1 diabetes, however, shows up quite obviously and the symptoms are relatively severe.
Men might also experience loss in their sex drive, erectile dysfunction and poor muscle strength. Women may also have symptoms like urinary tract infection (UTI) and yeast infection.
Gestational Diabetes spawns no particular symptoms. Your blood sugar level rises, which is detected by a glucose tolerance test performed usually between 24th and 28th weeks of gestation. If you have it, you may be visiting the loo a lot more than usual and feeling thirstier.
Note: If you’re above 45, it is preferable for you to get tested. Detecting it early on will save you from damaging your nerves, avoid heart troubles and other relevant complications.
What are the main areas of concern for a diabetologist?
An endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes is referred to as a diabetologist. Their main concern is the management of blood glucose level through smartly chalked out diet plans, exercise regime and proper medication.
They keep the endocrine system and metabolism in check.
What kinds of diabetologists are there?
- General Physicians: Most people opt for a GP for their treatment initially and continue to do so as long as things go smooth with the prescribed medication
- Endocrinologists: GPs will refer the patient to endocrinologists if there is anything outside the area of their expertise. They are the most common specialists in the field of diabetes. They specialize in hormonal issues and glands that produce these hormones.
A doctor can help select and advise the best course of treatment but it is a teamwork. You need to consult and work with dieticians, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), nephrologists, physical trainers, podiatrists, ophthalmologists and dentists to improve the quality of your treatment and life.
Endocrinologists who specialize and focus on diabetes are diabetologists.
How to become a diabetologist in Pakistan?
- Pass the MBBS exam from an accredited medical college
- Complete residency in internal medicine with a sub-specialty in endocrinology (preferably), including a year of internship
- Opt for an MD or DO program in Diabetology
- After completion of the course, attend a licensing test to become an authorized diabetologist
Adding on relevant courses to your profile is key for any profession to keep up with the new studies and researches.
What are the common problems caused by diabetes in Pakistan?
It takes a while for diabetes to take a toll on you, reducing the quality of life. According to a study, neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage) and nephropathy (kidney damage) are the most common complications that are triggered by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is said to be the most common diabetic complication followed by diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
In Pakistan, the segregation is as follows:
| Disease |
Percentage of Patients Infected |
| Retinopathy |
43% |
| Neuropathy |
39.6% |
| Nephropathy |
20.2% |
Other complications include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Foot damage
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Impotency
- Ketoacidosis
- Hearing impairment
- Alzheimer's disease
- Depression.
A Statistical Roundup:
(The most common type of diabetes)
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
- Globally, an estimated 463 million adults are living with diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 90% of the total.
- In 2019, over 19 million adults in Pakistan were estimated to be living with diabetes
What are diabetologists called in Pakistan?
- Diabetes specialist
- Endocrinologist
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- Diabetes doctor
- Sugar ka doctor
- Mahir-e-ziabetus
- ماہرِ ذیابیطس
