What Specialists Treat Diabetes
An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Other medical practitioners such as Registered Dietitians, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Exercise Physiologists, and Social Workers are considered specialists in diabetes self-management teaching if they have the Certified Diabetes Educator credential .
- endocrinologists or diabetologists — healthcare professionals who specialize in diabetes
- ophthalmologists for eye examinations
- podiatrists for routine foot care
- registered dietitians for help in planning meals
- diabetes educators for instruction in day-to-day care
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
There Are A Number Of Treatments Available To Help You Manage And Treat Your Diabetes Everyone Is Different So Treatment Will Vary Depending On Your Own Individual Needs
If you have type 1 diabetes, youll need to use insulin to treat your diabetes. You take the insulin by injection or by using a pump.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may have to use insulin or tablets, though you might initially be able to treat your diabetes by eating well and moving more.
If you have another type of diabetes, your treatment options may be different. Speak to your healthcare professional, or call our helpline if youre not sure.
Your GP or a healthcare professional can help you find the right diabetes treatment plan to suit you and your lifestyle.
People with diabetes are entitled to free prescriptions.
Preparing For Your Initial Visit
No matter which doctor or healthcare professional you see first, its important to be prepared. That way, you can make the most of your time there. Call ahead and see if there is anything you need to do to prepare, such as fasting for a blood test. Make a list of all your symptoms and any medications you are taking. Write down any questions you have before your appointment. Here are a few sample questions to get you started:
- What tests will I need to check for diabetes?
- How will you know what type of diabetes I have?
- What type of medication will I have to take?
- How much does treatment cost?
- What can I do to control my diabetes?
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Visiting A Doctor For Diabetes
When checking out a doctor about diabetes for the first time, it is important that an individual prepares themselves for their check out.
Keeping a journal
For a minimum of a week prior to the consultation, an individual should keep a journal of all the symptoms they have. The journal must consist of any symptoms, whether they might be associated with diabetes or not.
A doctor will wish to use the journal as a referral when producing an individuals treatment strategy. This is vital as not every case of diabetes can be dealt with the same.
Fasting
It is very important to understand requirements around fasting for a first-time go to.
Numerous novice sees will require an individual to take a fasting blood sugar test. This indicates not consuming or drinking anything but water for a minimum of 8 hours prior to the test. Fasting tests are best scheduled early in the early morning, when going 8 hours without food can be done overnight, when a person is asleep.
Note taking
It is likewise very valuable for people to bring a note pad or laptop when visiting their doctor for the very first time, in order to take down details. This helps to monitor the crucial things that are gone over and any questions that come up.
Effectively preparing for the first check out to a doctor can help ensure it is as efficient as possible, and that it clarifies diabetes and its various complications.
What Type Of Doctor Treats Autoimmune Diseases
An autoimmune disease occurs when your body loses the ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal cells and begins to attack healthy cells by mistake. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and there is no one doctor who can treat all kinds of autoimmune disease. Which doctor you need depends on which body systems are affected by your particular autoimmune disease. You will typically get a referral to a specialist from your primary care physician.
A rheumatologist treats arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can cause your immune system to attack its joints, muscles, bones, or organs.
Rheumatologists treat the following autoimmune conditions:
After four years of medical school and three years of training in either internal medicine or pediatrics, rheumatologists devote an additional two to three years in specialized rheumatology training. Most rheumatologists who plan to treat patients choose to become board-certified. They take an exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine to become certified.
Endocrinology is the study of diseases and conditions related to hormones. Physicians in this specialty are trained in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders related to abnormal levels of hormones in the body.
Endocrinologists treat many autoimmune conditions, including:
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What Are The Causes Of Diabetes
Diabetes can occur due to immune-mediated causes or may also develop spontaneously owing to an unknown cause. This is known as TYPE 1 Diabetes which is primarily due to the destruction of beta cells and leads to a deficiency of insulin in the body.
TYPE 2 is the other form of diabetes which has a range from insulin deficiency to secretion defect of insulin due to insulin resistance in the body.
Gestational diabetes mellitus occurs when a pregnant lady cannot tolerate any degree of glucose.
How Often Should I See My Doctor
People with diabetes who use insulin shots usually see their doctor at least every 3 to 4 months. People who take pills or who are managing their diabetes through diet alone should have an appointment at least every 4 to 6 months.Ã
You may need to go more often if your blood sugar isn’t controlled or if your complications are getting worse.
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Diabetes Doctors: What Kind Of Md Treats Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that impacts a persons blood glucose levels and can require various treatments. Understanding which physicians help treat diabetes can simplify the process, making it less demanding.
This short article helps individuals with diabetes to understand the key distinctions between the various diabetes experts.
It also covers some common guidelines to follow for going to each of these specialists, to guarantee you get the most from your treatment.
Contents
Family Medicine Vs Internal Medicine Physicians
Although family medicine and internal medicine physicians can both treat adults, the American College of Physicians say that there are some key differences.
For example, internal medicine doctors have training in both general medicine and subspecialties. They also tend to be more focused on medical issues that affect adults.
Family physicians, meanwhile, have broader training in medicine that allows them to care for both children and adults. They can treat a wide range of medical issues and emphasize disease prevention and health maintenance.
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What Is A Diabetes Specialist
A diabetes specialist is called an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists specialize in the glands of the endocrine system. The pancreas is the gland involved in diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin, and problems with insulin are what managing your diabetes is about.
Endocrinologists often work as a team with other diabetes specialistsnurse practitioners, dieticians, pharmacists, educators, and exercise physiologistswho help address every aspect of diabetes, which can be a very complicated problem to manage.
What Education Is Required To Become A Neurologist
The education required to become a neurologist is quite grueling and requires a medical doctorate. Medical school is four years and includes courses such as medical diagnostics, disease management, and surgical practice. In the second half of a traditional four-year program, aspiring neurologists will complete practical rotations which allow them to examine and treat patients under the supervision of qualified neurologists.
Following the completion of medical school, students apply for a one-year internship which allows them to put everything theyve learned into practice under the supervision of a medical doctor.
During the internship, students will apply for a residency program, which will take three years to complete, and involves making hospital rounds and monitoring and examining patients with a supervising doctor. If a student wants to become a neurosurgeon, their residency program will be much longersix to eight years!
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How Should I Manage My Diabetes
Many people who have diabetes also have an experienced primary care doctor or nurse practitioner who can help them manage their diabetes. For example, people with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes may never need to see a specialist because they can easily manage it with their primary care doctors help. Other people, however, might choose to see a specialist.
What Tools Do Neurologists Use To Diagnose Neuropathy
Okay, so weve convinced you that these neurologist folks know what theyre doing. Now, what actually happens when you visit their office? How do they diagnose you? Good question! Lets get into it.
Your doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and overall health history to get an idea of what youre experiencing and what might have lead to your condition. They generally start by checking for signs of muscle weakness, numbness, poor reflexes, and underlying issues with some basic tests including blood tests, spinal fluid tests, and muscle strength tests.
If nerve damage is suspected, they will then take an extensive patient history and conduct a number of more in-depth neurological tests to determine the location and severity of the nerve damage. These tests might include:
- CT scan
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When To See A Specialist
Seeing a specialist for diabetes is not always necessary. Many people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels on their own, at home.
Sometimes, however, a complication arises that needs specialist help, or the person may have concerns that a general physician cannot advise on.
A person may wish to see a specialist when:
- regular treatment options are no longer effective
- new symptoms appear
You Need A Care Team Including Diabetes Nurse Educators Nutritionists And Possibly Other Specialists
Just receiving a diagnosis and learning about diabetes often is not enough to help you manage your disease. Seeing a specialist will connect you with an entire diabetes care team whose membersnurse practitioner, dietician, pharmacist, educator, and exercise physiologistbring unique areas of expertise to help individualize your care according to your specific needs.
While primary care doctors provide good treatment for people with diabetes, if managing your condition feels complicated and unmanageable, you might want to see a specialist. Endocrinologists and diabetes care teams can provide you with their expertise, tools, and resources specific to your individual symptoms and condition. Exploring all your options will help you determine the best management plan and achieve the highest quality of life.
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Exercise Physiologist Or Physical Trainer
People with either types of diabetes need to exercise to help control their weight and blood sugar levels. Exercising can also help reduce stress as well as help the body use insulin better.
Your healthcare provider can help you find a licensed healthcare professional with training in exercise physiology. A scientifically based fitness program can be planned by an exercise physiologist for people with diabetes.
Resources For Coping And Support
There is no cure for diabetes. Managing the disease is a lifelong endeavor. In addition to working with your doctors to coordinate treatment, joining a support group may help you better cope with diabetes. Several national organizations offer an online community, as well as information about various groups and programs available in cities across the country. Here are a few web resources to check out:
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How Do Naturopathic Doctors Treat Patients With Diabetes
Licensed naturopathic doctors are trained in both conventional and integrative approaches to treating all types of diabetes, including types 1 and 2, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.
Regardless of the type, naturopathic treatment strategies aim to get a patients blood sugar levels back within a healthy range.
Focusing on the whole person, naturopathic doctors take the time to identify and address the genetic, environmental and behavioral/lifestyle factors that play significant roles in diabetes. Lifestyle changes around diet and exercise are essential in the treatment of all types of diabetes. However, many patients have a difficult time making such changes. Advanced training in nutrition and counseling enables naturopathic doctors to be highly effective in engaging patients to take control of their own health.1 Additionally, because they emphasize educating the patient, naturopathic doctors are often successful in helping individuals with diabetes to make and sustain shifts in nutrition and physical activity that can improve or reverse the progression of the disease.2
Assistance Networks For People With Diabetes
A doctor or endocrinologist can help individuals with diabetes to comprehend the facts about the best course of treatment for them. However this is simply one element that might help someone handle the condition successfully.
Having a bigger support network of pertinent experts can truly make the difference in treatment for people with diabetes.
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Prevention Of Diabetes In Individuals At High Risk
Lifestyle intervention prevents the type 2 diabetes in high risk people includes
- Healthy diet – Diet plays a major role in preventing the diabetes
- Exercise – Physical inactivity, being overweight and sedentary lifestyle is likely to put an individual in high risk group of developing type 2 Diabetes. Regular workouts, brisk walking and fitness regimes reduce the risk of type 2 Diabetes. It helps in losing weight and increases insulin sensitivity with better glucose control.
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Diabetes Treatment For Adults On Medicare
Oak Street Health is your home for comprehensive primary care. With our wide network of senior primary care centers, our experienced team of primary care doctors, specialists and caregivers, and our full range of medical serviceswhich includes diabetes treatment we have your health needs covered.
There are five types of diabetes that include: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Monogenic Diabetes, and Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes. However, the two most common forms consist of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, which are induced by how a patients body handles insulin. The biggest preventive care measure you can take to avoid developing diabetes down the line is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Balancing a diet that incorporates a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains along with daily exercise is vital to keeping our body healthy and well maintained.
What Sets An Endocrinologist/diabetes Doctor Apart
An Endocrinologist/diabetic doctor will give you valuable advice as well as send in prescriptions for all the medications and medical devices such as insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices. They typically also work on your prior authorizations that can take a tremendous amount of time.
Most of the time, primary care doctors do not have the time or the resources to do prior authorizations for their patients. Diabetic doctors who are typically endocrinologists can make strong arguments to give the best possible care for the patients suffering from diabetes.
There are so many options to treat diabetes, so knowing the options for diabetic patients is extremely important. Diabetes is a burdensome disease affecting a persons life in every aspect. As a result, making life easy by tweaking, adjusting, or introducing new treatments can make a big difference in a diabetic patients life.
Diabetic doctors are seeing patients with diabetes every day. Diabetes doctors have special training that takes years. More importantly, diabetes doctors have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience. Even though they have extensive expertise under their belt, there are far too many diabetic patients as compared to endocrinologists. SugarMDs offer a telemedicine solution where you do not have to desperately search for a local endocrinologist.
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How A Diabetic Coach & Diabetic Doctor Leverages Technology
They are also up-to-date with the most recent developments in diabetes care and technology. A diabetes doctor can manage your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. Most of these units are becoming increasingly hi-tech and advanced as we speak. Only an endocrinologist can program and manage an insulin pump. We use state of the art application to help manage from your cell phone.
Patients using them typically report better quality of life compared to using insulin pens or syringes. This is because of insulin pumps:
- Eliminate the need for injections
- Deliver more insulin than shots
- Allow greater flexibility with your meals
- Prevents unpredictable, long-term side-effects of insulin
Hi-tech insulin pumps administer insulin very slowly at a programmed speed and provide only what the patient needs. We can adjust the rate hourly. Since the human body requires different amounts of basal insulin at different times of the day, this feature prevents over or under-administration of insulin. Insulin pumps are good for patients looking to obtain freedom from injections and record-keeping, but also motivated to control diabetes with timely insulin delivery.
Bolus Insulin
Another feature is that insulin pumps can calculate the required bolus of insulin. This is based on the patient-reported amount of carbohydrate content of the food. This allows precise insulin delivery, preventing the chances of very high or very low blood sugar after a bolus insulin delivery.