Who is a Diabetologist?

A Diabetologist is an endocrinologist who diagnoses and treats disorders related to the metabolic system. They provide treatment to different types of diabetic patients through medications, lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise that help the patients in decreasing the levels of blood glucose or sugar. Diabetologists also work closely with diabetic educators, nurses, renal physicians, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists to educate, treat, and monitor the patients.

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

Can diabetes be cured completely by Diabetologists?

There is no permanent cure for diabetes. However, Diabetologists will treat the patient to get diabetes into remission. The remission of diabetes represents no signs of the disease although the condition is still present in the body. There may be more chances of maintaining normal blood glucose levels through medications and lifestyle changes. 

When should an individual consult a Diabetologist?

If an individual is suffering from any of the following medical conditions or diseases, then he/she should consult a Diabetologist.

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic renal disease
• Diabetic eye disease
• Thyroid diseases
• Metabolic disorders
• Gestational diabetes
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Are Diabetologists and Endocrinologists the same?

Diabetologists are medical professionals who treat metabolic disorders particularly diabetes and Endocrinologists are the doctors who are specialized in treating all diseases and disorders that affect the endocrine organs. Since diabetes is one of the medical conditions in endocrinology, so Endocrinologists can also treat diabetic patients.

Is thyroid problems related to diabetes?

Yes, abnormal thyroid function can have a major influence on the control of diabetes. People with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, untreated thyroid conditions lead to diabetic complications and aggregate the symptoms of diabetes. So it’s necessary to have regular screening for thyroid disorders. 

What are the common tests that Diabetologists perform to diagnose diabetes?

The most common tests performed to diagnose diabetes are:

• HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin levels)
• GTT (glucose tolerance test)
• FBG (fasting blood glucose)
• PPBG (postprandial blood glucose)

What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

Most of the individuals who are suffering from diabetes can have a few of the following common symptoms:

• Increased thirst
• Hunger
• Excessive sweating
• Increased urination (especially at night)
• Increase in heart rate
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Poor wound healing
• Infections
• Frequent fatigue