Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic (2024)

FAQs

What will happen at my endocrinology appointment? ›

Your medical records will be reviewed, and your referring doctor will be consulted. The endocrinologist will also check your pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure during the physical exam. They will examine your skin, hair, mouth, and teeth as hormone-related disorders can affect these areas.

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

People who take pills or who are managing their diabetes through diet alone should have an appointment at least every 4 to 6 months. You may need to go more often if your blood sugar isn't controlled or if your complications are getting worse.

Who is an endocrinologist? The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter. An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who treats imbalances of hormones or the endocrine system of the body.

The endocrinologist will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, prescription drugs, lifestyle choices, and family record of hormone-related issues.

"It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands for important clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell you a great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."

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 doctor's help. Other people, however, might choose to see a specialist.

The doctor will begin by taking your vitals and assessing your weight and height. They will also check your blood sugar level if you or another member of your family has diabetes, though this doesn't happen every time. The endocrinologist will then perform a check-up to ensure you have no abnormalities on your body.

“Ozempic can be prescribed by any licensed clinician including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants,” says Dr. Johnson.

What meds do endocrinologists prescribe? ›

If at any point you experience unexplained weight or mood changes, slowed growth in children, infertility or other sexual issues, hypoglycemia or symptoms of other endocrine conditions you should see your doctor.

The symptoms of endocrine disorders can present themselves in a variety of ways, such as mood changes, fatigue, and rapid weight fluctuations. Endocrinologists can identify and connect these symptoms to diagnose patients and help them manage their conditions.

“An endocrinologist is responsible for evaluating diabetes, bone loss, and a range of hormonal issues, including hormones from the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands as well as reproductive organs,” Dr. Smooke Praw explains. Patients come to endocrinologists knowing something is going on in their bodies.