Endocrinology and Diabetes

Our endocrinology and diabetes teams care for people whose hormones or glands are out of balance, from common conditions like diabetes to less familiar gland problems. We run diabetes clinics for both adults and children, and we care for thyroid and hormone conditions across the body. Much of our care is long-term: we diagnose the problem, then help you keep it under control over the years that follow.

What is endocrinology?

Endocrinology is the care of hormones and the glands that make them, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Hormones control how the body turns food into energy and keeps bones strong, so problems can appear almost anywhere. An endocrinologist diagnoses and treats conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders, and much of the work is long-term: adjusting medicines and checking your levels over years. Your GP manages routine diabetes and thyroid care, and refers you when it's more complex.

Areas within endocrinology

Diabetes education: This allied-health service helps people with diabetes monitor their blood sugar, use their medicines correctly and manage everyday life with the condition, with support from trained diabetes educators rather than doctors.

Paediatric endocrinology: This area cares for hormone and growth conditions in children, such as type 1 diabetes, early or late puberty and slow growth.

When should you see an endocrinologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Blood sugar that stays high despite treatment
• A lump or swelling in your neck
• Losing or gaining weight without trying
• Feeling tired, thirsty or needing to pass urine often
• Irregular periods or unwanted hair growth
• Bones that break more easily than expected

A severe hypo (loss of consciousness, a fit, or a low that does not respond to treatment) and diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous rise in blood acids, are emergencies: seek emergency care straight away.

You might also see an endocrinologist without symptoms, for example if diabetes or thyroid disease runs in your family, or to keep a known condition under control. Routine checks can also pick up high blood sugar or a thyroid problem before you notice anything. Diabetes is common across the UAE, so getting checked matters if you have risk factors like a family history or extra weight. Your GP or family doctor usually checks you first and refers you when specialist care is needed.

What to expect

At your first visit, the endocrinologist asks about your symptoms and any medicines you're taking, and examines you. They may also ask about your family history, as some hormone problems run in families. Blood tests are usually the starting point, measuring things like your blood sugar, a longer-term sugar reading called HbA1c, or how well your thyroid is working. Depending on what they find, you might also have a scan, such as a thyroid ultrasound.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. For many conditions it starts with lifestyle changes, such as diet and activity, alongside medicines that top up, lower or balance a hormone. Some people need ongoing monitoring, insulin or diabetes technology, and a few need a procedure like a thyroid biopsy. The endocrinologist explains the options, agrees the next steps, and sets up the regular reviews that long-term conditions need.

Endocrinology / Diabetes at Mediclinic

At Mediclinic, our endocrinologists look after adults and children with hormone and gland conditions. Our diabetes clinics bring together doctors, certified diabetes educators and dietitians, so treatment and self-management support sit in one place. Many people benefit from continuous glucose monitoring, and our diabetes educators provide structured education for those newly diagnosed. We also help people with conditions such as thyroid, bone and adrenal disorders. Dietitians support weight management and carbohydrate counting, and some of our hospitals run a diabetic foot clinic. You'll find this care at our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.