What is a Diabetologist?

Understanding Specialized Diabetes Care

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the United States, affecting millions of adults every year. While many people successfully manage their diabetes with the help of their primary care physician, some patients benefit from more specialized care. This is where an endocrinologist or diabetologist comes in.

As the only diabetologist in Southwest Louisiana, Dr. Muhammad Atif Jadoon, who provides care at Memorial Internal Medicine on Nelson Road in Lake Charles, provides advanced and personalized care for adults living with diabetes and other metabolic conditions. His goal is to help patients achieve better blood sugar control, reduce their risk of complications, improve their overall health – and live healthy lives despite a diabetes diagnosis.

What is a Diabetologist?

A diabetologist is a physician with advanced training and knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of diabetes and related metabolic conditions. Unlike a primary care provider who treats a wide range of medical conditions, a diabetologist focuses specifically on diabetes and the many health conditions that can accompany it. This specialized expertise allows patients to receive individualized care tailored to their unique needs and health goals.

In addition to his diabetes specialty, Dr. Jadoon is an internal medicine physician. He sees patients for a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions and illnesses. His diabetology credentials reflect a deeper understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetes that help enhance the care provided in his role as a primary care physician.

Who Can Benefit from Seeing a Diabetologist?

Specialized diabetes care, or additional support, may be beneficial if you:

• Have been newly diagnosed with diabetes
• Have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Have gestational diabetes and need specialized care in coordination with your OB/GYN
• Have prediabetes and want to reduce your risk of developing diabetes
• Struggle to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range
• Need help managing insulin or diabetes medications
• Experience frequent high or low blood sugar episodes
• Use – or are considering – a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump
• Have diabetes-related complications affecting your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves or circulation
• Have concerns about weight management related to diabetes.

Receiving care from a specialized provider possessing a more in-depth knowledge of the condition can help reduce your risk of other serious complications including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney disease
• Vision loss
• Nerve damage
• Poor circulation
• Slow wound healing

Whether you've recently received a diagnosis or have been living with diabetes for years, specialized care can help you better understand your condition and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Personalized Care for Better Health

No two patients experience diabetes in the same way. That's why a personalized approach to diabetes care is important – care plans are based on each patient's medical history, lifestyle, and health goals.

Treatment plans offered by a diabetologist may include:

• Medication management
• Insulin therapy optimization
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
• Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
• Weight management strategies
• Prevention and management of diabetes-related complications
• Coordination with your primary care provider and other specialists

By taking a comprehensive approach to diabetes care, patients receive the support they need to better manage their conditions and improve their long-term health.

Comprehensive Diabetes Care in Lake Charles

In addition to Dr. Jadoon, Memorial offers other services and support systems to help patients better understand and live with diabetes. Dr. Mohammed Sarwar, who provides care to patients at Moss Memorial Health Clinic, also holds advanced training in diabetes care. He is a certified diabetic-preferred provider by the American Diabetic Association and holds certifications by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for achieving quality care in diabetes. Dr. Sarwar is the Director of the Diabetes Clinic, a member of the Diabetic Disease Control Committee at Moss Memorial and has won multiple awards of excellence in diabetes care from Louisiana State University.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is also home to the Diabetes Education Clinic. This clinic, recognized by the American Diabetes Association for excellence, provides both in-patient and out-patient support and education for patients newly diagnosed and living with diabetes. The certified staff at the clinic help patients learn how to monitor their glucose, adapt a meal plan to their lifestyle, develop an exercise program, and educate patients on the possible complications and risk-reducing behaviors of diabetes-related complications. The Diabetes Education Clinic also hosts a monthly support group for patients and those in the community living with diabetes. This is held on the second Tuesday of every month.

Living with diabetes doesn't mean you have to manage it alone. With the comprehensive medical and support services offered at Lake Charles Memorial, we are providing the care that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

If you're ready to better manage your diabetes and improve your overall health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jadoon, call 337.480.7928.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarwar, call 337.480.8066.

To learn more about Diabetes Education and the Diabetes Support Group, click here.