Diabetology

Diabetology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels over a prolonged period.

Diagnosis of Diabetes:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): ≥126 mg/dL indicates diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures body’s response to sugar.
• HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): Reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months.
• Random Blood Sugar Test

Types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes (autoimmune, insulin-dependent)
• Type 2 diabetes (lifestyle-related, insulin resistance)
• Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy)
• Other rare forms (e.g., MODY, LADA)

Key areas in diabetology:

• Blood sugar monitoring
• Use of medications like insulin and oral hypoglycemics
• Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise)
• Preventing or managing complications (e.g., neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy)
• Patient education and long-term care

Healthcare providers involved:

• Diabetologists (specialists)
• Endocrinologists (broader hormone focus)
• Primary care physicians
• Diabetes educators, dietitians, and nurses