How Endocrinology Can Help Reduce Diabetic Symptoms

Did you know that roughly 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes? Despite the prevalence of this condition, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it.

This is true even of people who have diabetes. However, endocrinology might be the secret to both understanding and reducing your diabetic symptoms. But, what exactly is endocrinology?

And how does it relate to diabetes? If you want to learn the answer to these questions, and more, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know on the subject. Let’s get started!

What is Endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the study of hormones. But, what are hormones exactly? You can think of these as chemical messengers that travel through the body from one cell to another.

This is how our bodies communicate with each other. Hormones perform a wide range of functions. However, they’re mainly related to physiological activities. Specifically, things like:

• Body growth
• Adolescent development
• Puberty
• Suger regulation
• Appetite
• Alertness
• Bone growth

Hormones are important for our day-to-day functioning, but they can also cause problems and diseases. Some other hormone-related diseases include things like:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid diseases
• Pituitary diseases
• Sexual problems
• Neurological conditions
• Bone problems
• Obesity

As such, a doctor specializing in endocrinology helps treat diseases related to hormones in our bodies. And as we’ll learn in the next section, diabetes and hormones are inextricably linked together.

Why are Endocrinology and Diabetes Connected?

The connection between diabetes and endocrinology is insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces. This hormone carries sugar through the bloodstream and to our cells.

Once the sugar reaches our cells, it’s converted to energy to be used or stored for a later purpose. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas can no longer adequately produce insulin.

It also occurs when the body cannot use the insulin that the pancreas produces properly. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 can occur in anyone, but it happens more frequently in children and teens.

It occurs when the body produces little to no insulin. Type 2, on the other hand, usually occurs later in life. With this condition, the body can produce insulin but not use it.

Over time, the body stops producing insulin altogether. Since diabetes relates to the production of hormones, it falls under the specialty of an endocrinologist.

How Can an Endocrinologist Reduce Diabetic Symptoms?

The first thing that an endocrinology doctor will do for someone with diabetes is a medical analysis. Specifically, they’ll look into what type of diabetes you have and what is causing it.

This is important because a variety of factors can cause diabetes. Sometimes it’s related to lifestyle choices. Other times, it’s related to genetic factors or age.

Performing this analysis is important because it will determine the proper course of treatment that the endocrinologist can recommend. Endocrinologists are likely to provide you with some insulin.

But the specific dosage will depend on their analysis. In addition to insulin to combat low blood sugar levels, the endocrinologist may also recommend other measures.

For example, if the individual is overweight, they will suggest a diet plan and exercise routine to safely lose weight. In some cases, a diet plan may be given even if the person isn’t overweight.

Finally, the individual will be given equipment that can be used to monitor their blood sugar levels.

They’ll also be educated on their condition and given resources to read. The insulin and diets will go a long way toward reducing diabetic symptoms.

When Should You See an Endocrinologist?

You don’t always need to see an endocrinology specialist when you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Most of the time, your primary care doctor can treat you. But, there are some circumstances when you still might be referred to one.

The first is if you were recently diagnosed with diabetes. Endocrinologists are much better at explaining the condition to newcomers. They’ll also be better at teaching how to manage it.

Your doctor may also recommend an endocrinologist if you’ve taken too many insulin shots or you use an insulin pump. You should also see an endocrinologist if your diabetes is getting tougher to manage.

And finally, if your current treatment plan is no longer working for you. Remember that you don’t need a doctor’s recommendation to see an endocrinologist.

So, if your doctor doesn’t suggest it, then you can always schedule an appointment on your own.

How Do You Find an Endocrinologist?

You can find endocrinologists in a variety of different areas. Sometimes they work at a medical practice that’s specifically dedicated to endocrinology.

You can also find them working with other doctors of different specialties. They will occasionally also work in hospitals, universities, and medical schools.

The problem is that there is a major shortage of endocrinologists right now. So, if you live in certain parts of the country, you may need to travel far to find one.

Regardless of which endocrinologist you choose, just make sure they’re billing you fairly.

You shouldn’t have to go into debt just to treat your diabetes. Look for practices like this one that engage in fair endocrinology medical billing.

Want More Content? Keep Reading

We hope this article helped you learn more about how endocrinology can help reduce the symptoms of diabetes. While endocrinologists can be hard to find, we still think it’s worth it to schedule an appointment, even if you have to travel a long way.

This is especially true if you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re having trouble managing it. So, find the closest one to you and get the help you need for your diabetes.

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