Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, obesity, and genetic factors contribute to the global rise in diabetes. Not only adults but even small kids are suffering from this health issue!
Health and Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, often known as blood sugar, becomes unusually high. This frequent illness increases the risk of kidney, nerve, and heart damage. However, taking action to avoid or manage diabetes with the assistance of an expert diabetes-treating doctor may reduce the chances of getting diabetes-related health problems. A variety of doctors can assist in the management of diabetes.
However, many people are unaware that there exist diabetes specialists. Those specialists are known as diabetologists. They can help to simplify and de-stress the process. In this post, we will talk about diabetologists and their role in expert diabetes management. In order to make it useful and enriching, the information for this guide was gathered from the insights offered by the experienced diabetologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre. Let’s start by learning who is a diabetologist and how they can help you in diabetes management.
Who is a Diabetologist?
Diabetologist is an endocrine doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and overall care of diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic medical disorder characterized by fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It develops as a result of problems with insulin synthesis or insulin resistance in the body.
Diabetologists treat several types of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, monogenic diabetes, and other unusual forms of the disease.
Understanding Diabetes
Before we get into the diverse job of a diabetologist and its vital contribution to diabetes management, let's first define diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is broadly classified into two types based on its characteristics: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The former suggests that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin. The latter, on the other hand, is the result of inadequate insulin use by the body's cells.
Effective Diagnosis by Diabetologist
The first step toward comprehensive diabetic treatment is an accurate diagnosis. Diabetologists use a number of investigative tests to examine insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, and other important indicators. A correct diagnosis is essential for developing individualized treatment regimens that address the patient's specific needs.
Diabetologist-created Individualized Treatment Plan
Diabetologists collaborate closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment strategy. The initial consultation includes gathering information about the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.
Physical exercise advice, dietary changes, oral medicines, and insulin therapy may all be part of the treatment plan. The goal is to achieve optimal blood sugar control while also improving general well-being.
Blood Sugar Control and Monitoring
Because diabetes causes blood sugar variations, keeping blood sugar within a goal range is needed for controlling diabetes. An expert diabetologist is someone who advises patients on how to monitor their blood glucose levels, including when and how to perform tests. They keep changing the treatment programs based on regular evaluations of the test results. The objective is to adapt to changing bodily needs in order to limit the danger of both short-term and long-term consequences.
To receive comprehensive diabetes care, consult Magna Centre's renowned diabetologist for top-notch best diabetes treatment in Hyderabad and expert guidance.
Empowering and Educating Patient
Expert diabetes management also involves empowering and educating the patient.
- The experienced diabetologist is in charge of educating their patient. Diabetes is a condition that requires the patient's participation. It cannot be treated only by medications provided by a doctor.
- The teaching component involves informing the patient about appropriate eating choices, self-monitoring procedures, recommending physical activity, and correct medication or insulin delivery.
- A well-informed patient is well-equipped to make the necessary lifestyle changes and will effectively participate in self-care.
Treatments Offered Based on Diabetes Types
The treatment options vary depending on the individual's unique needs and the specific type of diabetes one has. Endocrinologists (the medical professionals focusing on hormonal disorders) and Diabetologists play an essential role in customizing treatment plans. Here, we will be discussing the type of treatments recommended by a diabetologist based on the type of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
It is a type of diabetes that is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the insulin-forming beta cells in the pancreas. The types of treatment include:
- Carbohydrate Counting: It is a way of counting carbohydrates in meals and adjusting insulin doses accordingly. It is a fundamental way of managing blood sugar levels.
- Insulin Therapy: Insulin replacement therapy is needed to survive for patients with type 1 diabetes. Diabetologists assist in determining appropriate insulin routines. It may involve multiple daily injections or the usage of insulin pumps.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices are used by individuals to track their blood sugar levels. It is used to make precise insulin dosage adjustments.
- Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplantation: This is a less common option, but in some cases, the patient can be a part of the pancreas or islet cell transplantation.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Insulin resistance and poor insulin secretion are to blame for this diabetes. Treatments include:
- Oral Drugs: Oral drugs such as metformin or sulfonylureas can help some people increase their insulin sensitivity. It can also help to stimulate insulin synthesis.
- Lifestyle Changes: Diabetologists encourage patients to have a healthy lifestyle. Controlling blood sugar levels requires frequent physical exercise and a well-balanced diet.
- Injectable Drugs: In advanced situations, injectable drugs are used. It comprises blood sugar-lowering drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors.
- Insulin Therapy: Some people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy in addition to a combination of other medications.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. It is manageable by lifestyle changes. Diabetologists may advise:
- Diet and Exercise: A diabetologist recommends frequent exercise and dietary changes to treat gestational diabetes.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: It is critical to monitor blood sugar levels during pregnancy. If diet and exercise fail to regulate blood sugar levels, insulin therapy may be recommended.
Prediabetes
It is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but do not yet reach diabetes levels. Diabetologists focus on preventing diabetes progression in such circumstances. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: These include weight loss, eating a healthy diet, doing physical activity, etc. These are often considered as the first line of defense.
- Medications: In situations where lifestyle modifications don’t work, the diabetologist suggests considering medications.
Monogenic Diabetes
It is a rare type of diabetes that is formed by specific genetic mutations. Treatments include:
- Genetic Testing: This is done to identify the specific type of gene mutation. It is done to determine the advanced treatment plan.
- Medications: Based on the genetic subtype, treatment includes oral medications, other targeted therapies, or insulin therapies.
It is important to note that consulting an expert diabetologist or endocrinologist is important for determining the best-suited treatment. The expert will consider varied factors before suggesting the treatment.
They also consider elements like age, comorbidities, patient preferences, type of diabetes, and overall health of the patient to help them achieve optimal blood sugar control. This will help in subsiding complications as well as risks.
Take Help From Expert
If one is looking for an advanced treatment for diabetes, they can consult the expert diabetologist or endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre.
The skilled doctor does a thorough analysis to determine the appropriate treatment. The doctor performs preventive podiatry (foot care), takes CGM/Ambulatory Glucose Profile, and insulin pump therapy for managing diabetes.
To get detailed information, visit the experts at Magna Centre!
