A diabetes specialist is called an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists specialize in the glands of the endocrine (hormone) system, and the pancreas is the gland involved in diabetes. They are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, adrenal and pituitary gland disorders, and more.

Other specialist doctors that can help treat diabetes include internal medicine physicians, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, and neurologists. In addition, there are many other healthcare practitioners and allied health practitioners that specialize in diabetes care, such as credentialed diabetes educators, clinical nurse practitioners, chronic disease nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians, podiatrists, optometrists, and psychologists.

Your primary care physician may refer you to an endocrinologist if you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or if your diabetes treatments are not working.