Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones. Endocrinologists have the training to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in the body. The common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes mellitus, as well as adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid disorders, among others.
When to See an Endocrinologist for Diabetes?
Your regular doctor can treat diabetes, but there are times when they might refer you to an endocrinologist when:
-You are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need to learn to manage it.
-They may want to enlist the help of an endocrinologist to further individualize treatment options.
-You are on multiple insulin shots a day.
-You are using an Insulin pump.
-You were diagnosed with Type 1 DM, LADA, MODY, or Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
-You are pregnant and have gestational diabetes.
-Your diabetes became though to manage or isn’t working.
-You have complications from diabetes.
You can visit an endocrinologist at any time irrespective of your primary care doctor’s recommendation. However, it will be a team approach, you will still need to visit the primary doctor.