What is a diabetic specialist called? A diabetic specialist doctor is most generally an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a specialist of the endocrine system, which is a system of a complex group of glands. These glands make hormones which help to control activities in your body such as growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. Therefore they treat diseases such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders, as well as many other conditions.
Seeing a diabetic specialist can have many advantages. A diabetic specialist doctor often has more experience in dealing with the disease and usually understands more about the condition as well. This doesn’t mean that you should drop the general practitioner you have been seeing for the last 10 years; they know more about you personally, which can sometimes be even more helpful. Your doctor can help you decide if seeking the treatment of an endocrinologist is a wise choice.
Even if you are not seeking additional types of treatment your doctor may refer you to a diabetic doctor specialist. In fact, if you are having any kind of health care risks, he probably will. Other types of doctors that may be considered a diabetic specialist doctor are:
- Eye doctors
- Food doctors
- Dietitians
- Exercise Trainers
- Dentists
Diabetic Nurse Specialist
If you are having trouble controlling your diabetes, or having other practical issues with the disease, you may be referred to a diabetic specialist nurse instead of a doctor. A diabetic nurse specialist is a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist who specializes in diabetes. They have taken extensive hours in course work about how drugs affect the body, states of diseases, and assessing health as well as working a minimum of 500 supervised hours with patients. In short, they are experts in their practice, yet can be much more caring and much less expensive than seeing a diabetic specialist doctor.
A diabetic nurses general responsibilities giving general diabetic care, providing healthcare counseling, providing skills training to help you learn to live with the disease. They are allowed to review lab work, perform physical assessments, develop a diagnosis, and many can prescribe or change medications without the help of a doctor. They have made a great improvement to the healthcare delivery system, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetic Foot Specialist
Since so many diabetics have trouble with their feet, a podiatrist is another commonly seen type of diabetic specialist doctor. A podiatrist treats feet and problems with the lower legs; diabetic tend to have these types of issues due to poor blood flow and nerve damage. Diabetics also get infections more often, so quick care of sores are essential.
Most people seek medical treatment for their feet from their primary care physicians at first. If complications become more extreme, then patients are referred to a podiatrist. According to eMedicineHealth.com, a diabetic should seek medical treatment within 72 hours if any of the following problems happen:
- There is any trauma to the feet or legs, no matter how minor.
- There is persistent mild-to-moderate pain in the feet or legs.
- There is a minor cut or scape, and the doctor has not recommended how home treatment should be performed.
- There is pain, redness, or swelling around the toenail (this is often a major cause of amputation).
- You experience new or constant numbness.
- You experience abnormal strain or pressure on the foot.
- You experience constantly itching feet.
- There are corns or calluses on the feet (home removal is not recommended).
You experience a body temperature of over 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. Even low fevers can be a sign of serious infections.
