PMC Verified
Internal Medicine Specialist, Diabetologist, Endocrinologist
M.B.B.S, F.C.P.S (Medicine), F.C.P.S (Endocrinology & Diabetes)
PMC Verified
Internal Medicine Specialist, Diabetologist, Endocrinologist
M.B.B.S, F.C.P.S (Medicine), F.C.P.S (Endocrinology & Diabetes)
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:
You should see a diabetologist in case you have the following:
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.
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.
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.
Adding on relevant courses to your profile is key for any profession to keep up with the new studies and researches.
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:
A Statistical Roundup:
(The most common type of diabetes)
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
A diabetologist helps identify the cause of diabetes and design a management plan to keep your glucose level in check. The medicines can either be given orally or in the form of injections, depending on the cause and type of your diabetes.
If you have Type 1 diabetes then you will be prescribed insulin right away that replaces the hormone your body is unable to produce.
Type 2 diabetes will require changes in your diet and lifestyle in order to lower your sugar level. However, if that would not suffice, other medications will be prescribed.
Finding a good doctor is vital for proper diagnosis & treatment of your underlying concern. Before you make the decision of picking out a Diabetologist, consider the following: