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As part of your primary doctor’s treatment plan, you may also be referred to a specialist - endocrinologist - who studies diseases and hormone issues like diabetes.
Diabetes doesn’t only harm the pancreas, which makes the insulin hormone. Complications can affect the whole body. Endocrinologists have specialty training in diabetes and its complications. There can be several reasons your primary doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist:
It’s best to be open and direct. Hormones can affect every part of your body. From feelings and emotions to weight issues and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, these doctors are familiar with every aspect of the disease.
What can you discuss:
The more you tell your specialist, the better he or she can help you handle your disease. Your endocrinologist is there to help you and make sure you’re living your best life. If you don’t feel happy with your doctor, remember you have every right to find a new one. We can help you with Provider Finder®.
Watch this quick video to learn how you can make the most of your medical visit.
Originally published 2/1/2017; Revised 2019, 2021
Most diabetics can be safely and cost effectively managed by board certified family practitioners and internal medicine physicians .Is BCBS suggesting that primary care practices should routinely refer all diabetic patients to endocrinologists ? What is the purpose of such a misleading tweet ?