Endocrinology Clinic

Diabetes is a chronic health condition resulting from insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to the physiologic action of insulin in shuttling glucose into them for energy, causing hyperglycemia. Unchecked diabetes can wreak havoc on the body, leading to a cascade of devastating health consequences. These include:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease.
• Kidney disease: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to pain, numbness, and even limb amputations.
• Retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to blindness.
• Increased susceptibility to infections: High blood sugar predisposes diabetes to infections since white blood cells become less effective in fighting against pathogens.

The rising prevalence of diabetes over the past few decades has now attained a global pandemic status. Several factors contribute to this alarming rise. Urbanization and lifestyle changes, including increased consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and physical inactivity, play a significant role. Additionally, aging populations, genetic predisposition, and environmental pollutants are contributing forces.

In Thailand, about 10% of the population, or 1 in ten people, are affected by diabetes and high blood sugar levels. The number of new patients is increasing relentlessly, with approximately 100,000 people added each year. Recognizing the growing prevalence of diabetes, MedPark Hospital emphasizes offering comprehensive screening and care for high-risk groups, facilitated by an experienced multidisciplinary health professional team, targeting individuals with a family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives, those who are overweight, individuals with high blood pressure, or those already diagnosed with heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. Proactive checkups catch high blood sugar early, paving the way for intervention before complications arise.

The Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic’s mission is to deliver attentive care and effective management strategies. Our approach begins with proactive screening for individuals at risk of developing diabetes and thyroid disorders, as we firmly believe in the adage that prevention is better than treatment. For those already diagnosed with diabetes or thyroid disorders, our clinic spares no effort in providing comprehensive treatment. Led by endocrinology specialists and a seasoned multidisciplinary health professional team, we are committed to delivering high-quality care and diagnostic services. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for our patients, prevent the onset of endocrine disorders, and work towards curing their diseases.

Why Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic at MedPark Hospital?

• Our primary objective in diabetes treatment is to prevent the necessity for amputation. Leveraging the expertise of our highly experienced specialists, we provide meticulous care to our patients, aiming to avert potential complications such as diabetic foot, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Our management strategy focuses on restoring normalcy and empowering patients to manage their diabetes effectively, allowing them to live life to the fullest.
• We employ cutting-edge technologies for treatment, featuring continuous glucose monitoring that eliminates the need for finger pricks, insulin pumps tailored for effective type 1 diabetes management, tele-monitoring for tracking blood glucose levels, and a system to monitor severe fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Our team of highly experienced physicians and specialized nurses are readily available to assist patients in understanding the operation of these devices and maintaining diligent tracking of their blood glucose levels. Patients can consult with physicians or receive treatment at the clinic without requiring fasting or blood tests before an appointment. You can expect prompt and efficient medical care from our dedicated team.
• The clinic offers diagnostic services for high acuity and complex endocrine disorders, including but not limited to adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors, diabetes insipidus, secondary hypertension, non-diabetic hypoglycemia, and thyroid disorders.
• The emphasis is on screening for high-risk groups. We strongly encourage individuals with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, and individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases to undergo regular screening tests for signs of abnormally high blood glucose levels. This proactive approach enables early detection and treatment before a disease progresses. 

Diseases and Conditions

• Pancreatic disorders
  
  • Type 1 & 2 diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Monogenic diabetes: Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
  • Non-diabetic hypoglycemia
  • Diabetic foot
• Thyroid disorders
  
  • Thyrotoxicosis
  • Hypothyroid
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous thyroid nodules
• Adrenal disorders
  
  • Secondary hypertension
  • Adrenal tumor
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Cushing’s Syndrome
  • Excess adrenergic hormones due to pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma
  • Hypercortisolism
• Pituitary disorders
  
  • Pituitary tumor
  • Ischemic infarction of the pituitary gland
  • Excess or insufficient pituitary hormones
  • Diabetes insipidus
• Diseases associated with bone abnormality and calcium and vitamin D balance

Tests and Procedures

• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
• Insulin Pump
• Transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM) for patients with vascular problems and chronic wounds
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
• Thyroid scan and parathyroid scan
• Thyroid ultrasound
• CT scans for diagnosis of endocrine disorders 
• MRI for diagnosis of endocrine disorders
• Ultrasound-guided FNA of thyroid nodules
• Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan)
• Adrenal venous sampling (AVS)
• Bilateral petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS)
• Other Endocrinology dynamic tests
• Calcium stimulation test

Specialty

• Diagnostic Angiography Blood Sampling: This unique diagnostic procedure entails the insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel, reaching either the pituitary gland or adrenal gland, and drawing blood samples for a comprehensive diagnosis. Executing this procedure demands a high level of skill and experience.
• Weight loss consultation: Our team of seasoned specialists and a multidisciplinary group offer comprehensive care and conduct screening tests to pinpoint the root causes of obesity. Additionally, our nutrition support team leverages its expertise to aid patients in successfully reaching their weight loss objectives and mitigating the risk of other diseases associated with obesity.
• Diabetic foot treatment: We specialize in preventing the necessity for foot amputation through attentive care and the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Package

• Reduce excess body fat and curb hunger hormones
• Diabetes Mellitus Endocrine Package
• Diabetic Retinopathy Package