Diabetes Doctors: What Does a Diabetologist Do?
What is a diabetologist?
A diabetologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of diabetes.
What’s the difference between a diabetologist and endochronoligist?
Diabetologists are generally endocrinologists with a special interest in diabetes.
What medical conditions do diabetologists treat?
- Diabetes Type I
- Diabetes Type II
- Complications of diabetes
Treatment for diabetes
Treatment of diabetes usually involves a multidisciplinary team.
The diabetologist coordinates diabetic educators, nurses, podiatrists, ophthalmologists and renal physicians to educate, treat and monitor a patient.
Treatment usually involves medications either orally or insulin injections.
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What to expect at your first visit with a diabetologist
History
Your diabetologist will ask about your diabetes in detail. They will ask about:
- Current symptoms
- Duration of illness
- Complications of diabetes
- Level of control you have had
- Other illnesses
- Medications
- Allergies
- Social history
Examination
Your diabetologist will perform a general examination but will particularly focus on searching for complications related to your diabetes.
These generally involve the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), the eyes (retinal vessels), kidneys and nerves.
Specialty areas of interest
- Paediatric diabetes
Associated tests
- Blood tests
- Blood glucose measurement
- Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C)
- Urine protein collection
- Fluorescein retinal angiography
Training and qualifications
Links
- Find a Diabetologist
- Diabetes Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Wikipedia – Diabetology
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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