Diabetic specialists are intimately familiar with the symptoms, complications and treatments associated with the disease. Although most trust primary care doctors for their medical management and needs, diabetes patients can benefit from diabetic specialists. Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that deals with the endocrine system, which consists of a complex group of glands in the body that produce hormones. Because hormones control different bodily functions such as metabolism, diabetes is associated with this system.
Endocrinologists can be specially trained diabetic specialists who diagnose diseases that have an impact n the glands. They typically have knowledge on how to treat such conditions, restoring balance to hormones. Endocrinologists are well known in the diabetic spectrum, but they also can treat thyroid diseases, metabolic disorders, over or under production of hormones, menopause, osteoporosis, hypertension, cholesterol disorders, cancers of endocrine glands, infertility and stunted growth. Some endocrinologists choose to only deal with one or a few of these issues while others work in all areas of endocrinology. When a diabetic decides to hire a diabetic specialist, they should be sure to narrow their search by finding one who works with their disease. These diabetic specialists treat the condition with diet and medications. They also assist patients by showing them ways to control blood sugar, as well as giving routine check-ups to avoid potential complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy Specialists Assist With Eye Disorders
Diabetes is known to have negative affects on vision, so there may come a time when diabetic retinopathy specialists are be necessary. Diabetics are twice as likely to develop glaucoma than people without the disease. They are also more susceptible to getting cataracts at a younger age. However, the most common eye problem associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. New cases of blindness and low vision in adults are primarily associated with this condition. Certain types of diabetic specialists are trained in this area to help diabetics who develop problems in their eyes as a result of the disease.
The term “retinopathy” is used to describe damage to the retina, a thin, light-sensitive tissue which provides a lining to the inside surface in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy happens when the small blood vessels that provide nourishment to the nerve cells and tissue in the retina become damaged. The nerve cells create electrical impulses out of light that enters the retina that are transported to the brain via optic nerve. This is what allows our brain to interpret images. One out of 20 people who have diabetes experience diabetic retinopathy, creating a need for diabetic retinopathy specialists.
Diabetics who experience the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy should seek medical attention from diabetic retinopathy specialists. The symptoms include blurred or double vision, flashing lights, a veil or streaks of red in the vision, dark spots floating in one or both eyes or blind or blank spots within one’s vision spectrum.