DIABETES QUESTION OF MONTH - Health BeatIf you’re living with diabetes or have been recently diagnosed, you surely have questions and concerns about this chronic condition. This is the next installment in a series of frequently asked questions about diabetes, with answers from a Spectrum Health team of doctors, nurses and dietitians.

Question:

When is it necessary to see a specialist for my diabetes as opposed to a regular physician?

Answer:

Primary care physicians see and treat many different conditions and diseases. Endocrinologists are specialists who focus their practice on glandular conditions such as diabetes and its related conditions.

If you’re working with your primary care doctor in controlling your diabetes and getting the results you and your doctor want, then you’re fine. But if you’re not getting the results you want, you can ask for a referral to see a specialist.

An endocrinologist will take care of your diabetes and anything directly related to it. But this doesn’t happen in isolation. Your endocrinologist will work in cooperation with your primary care doctor. Both doctors will look at your blood pressure medicine or your cholesterol, and also help ensure that your other medications don’t hurt your diabetes control.