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:
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.
