Who is a Diabetologist?

Diabetologists are endocrine doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and other diseases associated with it. They help patients to manage the disease with lifestyle modifications and medications. Diabetologists also collaborate with Podiatrists, Neurologists and Ophthalmologists to treat health issues associated with diabetes.

What are the qualifications of a Diabetologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Diabetologist:

• Fellowship in Diabetology(Boston School of Medicine, USA)
• Diploma in Diabetes/Endocrinology (Middlesex University)
• Diplomate in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
• Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetology (PGDD)(Madras Medical College)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Diabetology (PGDD)(University of Leicester, UK)
• Ph.D. in Liberal Studies in Diabetology (Trinity College)
• Diploma in Diabetology (Maharashtra University of Health Science)
• Diploma in Diabetology (Mumbai University)
• MMSc - Diabetology
• CCT - Endocrinology and Diabetes MellitusFellowship in Diabetology(Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA)
• DM - Endocrinology
• DNB - Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism

What conditions can Diabetologists treat?

A Diabetologist mainly treats diabetes, which can be of the following types:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Foot damage

When should an individual visit a Diabetologist?

An individual experiencing any of the following symptoms can visit a Diabetologist:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent mucous membrane infections
• Blurry vision
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Weight loss

What procedures do Diabetologists perform?

Diabetologists perform diagnostic and other laboratory tests to evaluate the disease and check the effectiveness of the given treatment. Some of the tests are:

• Fasting blood glucose
• Random blood glucose
• Glycated haemoglobin test [HbA1C]
• Oral glucose tolerance test
• Urine protein test