Diabetology is the branch of medicine that studies diabetes, especially diabetes mellitus and its treatment.
What does a diabetologist do?
A diabetologist deals with the diagnosis of diabetes in all its forms, and its treatment in order to enable a patient to control the pathology and maintain a good quality of life.
What diseases are treated by a diabetologist?
A diabetologist treats diabetes in all its forms including diabetes mellitus, insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1 diabetes), diabetes insipidus, and gestational diabetes.
What are the procedures used by a diabetologist?
A very important part of the diabetologist work is to show patients how to manage the disease in the best way possible. The specialist mainly uses blood tests in order to detect and monitor changes in the blood glucose levels of body. In the case of gestational diabetes and type 1 diabetes the doctor will use an insulin therapy.
The specialist also insists on a change of lifestyle including moderate physical activity and constant and regular well balanced diet.
When should a patient visit a diabetologist?
An appointment should be set if a patient is experiencing symptoms that are typical of diabetes mellitus and type 1 diabetes such as increased thirst, fatigue, frequent infections of the mucous membranes, irritability, frequent urination, sudden weight loss, and blurry vision.
An appointment is also necessary if blood tests have shown anomalies that would suggest the presence of imbalances in glycemic level. Other reasons to visit are during pregnancy, in case of new symptoms for previously diagnosed patients, and in case the patient would like a second opinion on the diagnosis or management of the disease.
