Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Diabetologist do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A diabetologist is a medical practitioner who focuses on providing care to patients with diabetes. While diabetology is not a formally recognized medical specialty, people who choose to concentrate on diabetes care can be found in many regions of the world, especially in urban areas where there are large numbers of patients who need diabetes treatment. Patients with diabetes can sometimes benefit from the specialized treatment offered by a physician who only handles patients with diabetes.

These medical practitioners usually have received their training in internal medicine or pediatrics, although some are endocrinologists. After training and receiving board certification, the physician receives additional training in diabetes and begins focusing on diabetes care. Patients should be aware that because this is not a recognized medical specialty, there are no standards that must be met before a physician can identify as a diabetologist.

Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.
Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.

Patients with diabetes can be referred to a diabetologist or may seek one out independently. The physician conducts a complete clinical evaluation to learn more about the patient's specific condition and takes a patient history, collecting information about personal habits, diet, and exercise. All of this information will be used to develop a diabetes treatment plan that is tailored to the patient. Customizing treatment allows physicians to work with patients on a plan that they can realistically achieve, in contrast with plans where the treatment is dictated without regard for limitations on the part of the patient.

A diabetologist may specialize in pediatrics.
A diabetologist may specialize in pediatrics.

As a treatment plan is developed, the patient periodically meets with the diabetologist for checkups. The doctor uses diagnostic testing, examinations, and interviews to confirm that the treatment is still working for the patient and to screen for early signs of diabetes complications, like vision problems and circulatory conditions. If the patient's treatment plan needs to be adjusted, the diabetologist is involved in developing a new approach and working with the patient to implement it.

A diabetologist may help patients choose healthy foods that aid in controlling blood glucose levels.
A diabetologist may help patients choose healthy foods that aid in controlling blood glucose levels.

In addition to working directly with patients, diabetologists can also be involved in diabetes research. Research is used to develop new treatments and medications as well as to establish a deeper understanding of diabetes and the ways it impacts the body. Researchers can work for charitable organizations, pharmaceutical companies, clinics, and other facilities interested in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes. A diabetologist can also be involved in public outreach and education to identify at-risk populations and provide them with tools for preventing and identifying diabetes.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.
      By: JackF
      Prolonged high blood sugar may cause vision problems in diabetics.
    • A diabetologist may specialize in pediatrics.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      A diabetologist may specialize in pediatrics.
    • A diabetologist may help patients choose healthy foods that aid in controlling blood glucose levels.
      By: Gordan Jankulov
      A diabetologist may help patients choose healthy foods that aid in controlling blood glucose levels.
    • Diabetologists are physicians who have completed advanced training and have become board certified in their area of expertise.
      By: s_l
      Diabetologists are physicians who have completed advanced training and have become board certified in their area of expertise.
    • Diabetes is a possible health complication for individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle.
      By: kiatipol
      Diabetes is a possible health complication for individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle.
    • A diabetologist may need to have a thorough understanding of the common foot problems associated with diabetes.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A diabetologist may need to have a thorough understanding of the common foot problems associated with diabetes.
    • Some diabetologists work primarily with patients who have type 1 diabetes.
      By: dalaprod
      Some diabetologists work primarily with patients who have type 1 diabetes.
    • Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
      By: lulu
      Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
    • Diabetics may be prone to developing infections following foot injuries.
      By: NorGal
      Diabetics may be prone to developing infections following foot injuries.