The Role of the Endocrinologist

An Endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the glands. They have received additional education and clinical training in order to treat many different diseases involving hormone-secreting/excreting glands, including diabetes.

Though your primary care physician has knowledge regarding the diabetes treatment and management, an Endocrinologist - like a specialist in any other area - has the most current information, treatment guidelines and educational programs, that can help you successful take control of your disease.

So, what do Endocrinologists treat? They treat conditions of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a complex group of glands. Glands are organs that make hormones. These are substances that help to control activities in your body. Hormones control reproduction, metabolism (food burning and waste elimination), and growth and development.

Hormones also control the way you respond to your surroundings, and they help to provide the proper amount of energy and nutrition your body needs to function. The endocrine glands include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus.

Talk to your primary care physician about a referral to an Endocrinologist, to help you better care for yourself and your disease.