Diabetes physicians have several years of additional education outside of the necessary schooling to become physicians. Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin to help the body properly process and absorb sugars. With type I diabetes (insulin dependent), the body does not produce insulin at all. With type II diabetes (insulin resistant), the body is unable to absorb the insulin that is needed to process sugars properly.
Diabetes physicians, also known as diabetic endocrinologists, work specifically with people who suffer from diabetes. These physicians have additional education that specifically focuses on diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders, specifically diabetes.
Diabetic endocrinologists help primary physicians diagnose diabetes. They also take referrals to treat people with diabetes. These physicians are able to treat all types and levels of diabetes. However, they often times work with people with more complicated cases. If you are having complications due to diabetes, a diabetes physician would be a great place to start to get your condition under control.
What Role do Diabetes Physicians Play in the Diagnosis Process?
Diabetes physicians are often the go to doctors when primary physicians are having difficulty diagnosing or treating diabetes. Typically, primary physicians initially diagnose diabetes. Once diagnosed, patients with hard to control diabetes are referred to a diabetes physician.
However, if the primary doctor is getting mixed test results or is seeing that a patient is at higher risk or diabetes, they may refer the patient to a diabetic specialist for diagnosis or to confirm a diagnosis.
On the initial visit to a diabetic specialist, the patient can expect to speak with the physician about symptoms, family history, and past medical history. The specialist will also review medical records and laboratory results. The specialist may also order additional lab tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis.
Once the diabetes physician has made a diagnosis, the doctor will recommend a plan of action, continuing treatment, and follow-up recommendations.
What do Diabetes Physicians do to treat this Condition?
Diabetes physicians have extensive experience treating all levels of diabetes. Whether the diagnosis is type I or type II diabetes, this specialist will have a plan to help the patient maintain good control of the condition.
The specialist will recommend an eating plan and exercise plan that you should follow everyday. The doctor will also give you instructions to regularly monitor your blood sugar and may want you to keep a daily food journal. He may prescribe oral medications, insulin, or both. Diabetes physicians will also refer you to other specialists, if necessary. These specialists may include dieticians, physical therapists, diabetic podiatrists, or diabetic ophthalmologists.
If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, or think you may have diabetes, talk to with your primary physician about getting a referral to see a diabetes physician. This specialist can play a huge role in helping you live a long and healthy life with diabetes.
