Diabetologist, I never heard that term until I joined this site. My father had diabetes and was treated by diabetes specialists. He had good insurence. I just see a general practice doctor and a kidney specialist. How many diabetics see a diabetologist? a diabetes specialist? An Endocrinologists. If I need to see a Diabetologist or specialist how do I go about it, because I’ve had type two diabetes and no doctor has sent me to a specialist or Diabetologist. Yet my father who died in 1974, at 45yrs. old had more than one diabetes specialists. Is this an Insurence matter? Or can anyone go to a specialist or Diabetologist?
Diabetology is the clinical science of diabetes mellitus, its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. It can be considered a specialised field of endocrinology.
The term diabetologist is used in several ways. In North America over the last 40 years it is most often used for an internist who through practice and interest develops expertise in diabetes care without having formal training or board certification in endocrinology. Diabetology is not a recognized medical specialty and has no formal training programs leading to board certification. In other contexts the term diabetologist refers to any physician, including endocrinologists, whose practice and/or research efforts are concentrated mainly in diabetes care.
both my hubby and my daughter see edno’s - my daughter 14 sees an endo who is also a type 1 (she’s a pediatric endo).
I just found out the only way in my area to see an endo, is for the GP to refer you and actually make the appointment. The endo’s office won’t even take a call from a patient unless they are already under their care. So, it really doesn’t help if your insurance doesn’t require referrals. My only guess, is that they’re so busy, they feel this weeds people out who don’t really need them. Whole system totally sux!
My Primary Care Physician, after looking at my A1C (10.1) and listening to all my many questions (thank you tuDiabetes population) is sending me straight to an Endo for Diabetes Education and Consultation. I think it is standard practice with some physicians and like pulling teeth for others to send you.
Thanks very much to all. Thanks especially to Landileigh. I feel much better now that I haven’t heard the term before now.
I didn’t get sent to an Endocrinologist until I asked the Internist for CGMS due to my pseudogout, cortisone injections, etc.