Diabetes & Endocrinology

Partner with a knowledgeable, board-certified doctor at UNC Health to prevent or manage diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other conditions that affect the endocrine system.

What’s an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a doctor with advanced training to care for the endocrine system, which includes your:

• Adrenal glands
• Hypothalamus
• Pancreas
• Pituitary gland
• Reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles)
• Thymus gland
• Thyroid gland and parathyroid glands

Your glands create hormones that control important body functions. If you have an endocrine disorder, abnormal levels of hormones may affect your:

• Blood pressure
• Bone health
• Energy and stress levels
• Growth during puberty and sexual development
• Metabolism, or the rate your body uses food for energy

Conditions We Treat

Trust UNC Health for high-quality care for children and adults. Your endocrinologist can diagnose or treat hormone-related diseases, such as:

• Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency
• Cancers that affect the glands, such as adrenal gland, pancreatic, pituitary gland and thyroid gland cancer
• Early or late puberty
• Metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis (weakened bones)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, or nodules

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes means the body does not use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone the body needs to process glucose (sugar) from food and turn it into energy. Look to your doctor for care of all forms of diabetes, including:

• Prediabetes – When blood sugar levels are higher than normal
• Type I diabetes – When the pancreas does not make enough insulin
• Type II diabetes – Happens when the body does not use insulin as well as it should
• Gestational diabetes – When diabetes happens during pregnancy

Services & Treatments

Depending on your symptoms and other factors, your care plan may include:

• Blood sugar monitoring
• Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, biopsy of a tissue sample, ultrasound scan, or bone density testing
• Education
• Exercise planning
• Foot care
• Lifestyle changes
• Medications, such as insulin therapy or hormone therapy
• Nutrition counseling
• Stress management
• Surgery
• Weight management

Coordinated Care

Rely on your endocrinologist to work with your primary care provider so you get care that’s personalized to your unique health needs.