17.7 Medical Specialists, Diagnostic Testing, and Procedures Related to the Endocrine System
Medical Specialists
Endocrinology (ĕn-dō-krĭ-NŌL-ŏ-jē) refers to the study of the endocrine system.
Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists (ĕn-dō-krĭ-NŎL-ŏ-jĭsts) are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases associated with the endocrine system. Endocrine surgeons (ĕn-dō-krĭn SŬR-jŏns) treat endocrine disease by removing affected endocrine gland or tissue.
Read more information about endocrinologists on the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology’s web page.
Diabetes Nurse Educator
Diabetes nurse educators are registered nurses who specialize in helping people effectively self-manage the chronic disease of diabetes mellitus. They provide instruction on monitoring blood glucose levels, administering insulin, making healthy diet choices, and caring for feet and skin to prevent complications.[1]
Read more on Indeed’s web page: How to Become a Diabetes Educator in 5 Steps.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists often help people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus plan appropriate diets to manage their disease and lead healthy lives. They typically have a bachelor’s degree and work in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Read more information on the Bureau of Labor’s web page about Dietitians and Nutritionists.
Diagnostic Testing
Blood Tests
Blood serum testing is done to determine the levels of various endocrine hormones in the blood if an endocrine disorder is suspected. Additional testing may be performed to monitor electrolyte levels in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Read more about specific blood tests performed for specific diseases in the “Diseases and Disorders of the Endocrine System” section.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake
A radioactive iodine uptake (rā-dē-ō-ĂK-tĭv Ī-ŏ-dīn ŬP-tāk) test evaluates how well the thyroid is functioning by administering radioactive iodine and then measuring how much is taken up by the thyroid. This test is often performed in combination with a thyroid scan.[2]
Thyroid Scan
A thyroid scan uses a radioactive iodine tracer to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland. This test is often done in combination with a radioactive iodine uptake test. The scanner detects the location and intensity of the rays given off by the radioactive material, and a computer displays images of the thyroid gland.[3]
Procedures
Surgeries related to the endocrine system include the following:
- Adrenalectomy (ăd-rē-năl-ĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical excision of one or more adrenal glands.
- Hypophysectomy (hī-pō-fĭ-SĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the pituitary gland.
- Pancreatectomy (păn-krē-ă-TĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of the pancreas.
- Parathyroidectomy (păr-ă-thī-rŏi-DĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands.
- Thyroidectomy (thī-rŏi-DĔK-tŏ-mē): Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
- DailyNurse. (n.d.). Diabetes educator. https://dailynurse.com/diabetes-educator/#:~:text=The%20diabetic%20nurse%20educator%20establishes,glucose%3B%20and%20administration%20of%20insulin ↵
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M., Inc.; c1997-2023. Radioactive iodine uptake; [reviewed 2022, Jan 9; cited 2023, Dec 4). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003689.htm ↵
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): A.D.A.M., Inc.; c1997-2023. Thyroid scan; [reviewed 2022, Feb 1; cited 2023, Dec 4). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003829.htm ↵