10 tips for finding your endocrinologist for diabetes

Whether you were just diagnosed with diabetes, recently moved, or are ready for a change, selecting an endocrinologist for diabetes is important to keeping your diabetes management on track. The relationship you have with them can make a big difference in not just your quarterly visits but also your day-to-day diabetes management and long-term health. 

So how do you find an endocrinologist for diabetes? Not just anyone — but one who gets you, can help you achieve your goals, and live well with diabetes? Check out this list for some tips.
 

1. Ask for recommendations
 

Ask family, friends, your community, or one of your other physicians for a recommendation. Be sure to ask why they like this particular endocrinologist. This will help you understand why they would be a good fit for you. You can also reach out to your local JDRF or ADA chapter to see if they offer a list of highly recommended endocrinologists for diabetes in your area.
 

2. Visit the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) website
 

On the AACE’s Find an Endocrinologist website, you can search for an endocrinologist in your area by location, area of interest, or both.
 

3. Determine which doctors are in-network
 

Most health insurance plans have negotiated contracts with doctors and hospitals in your area, so going to them means you’ll pay less out of pocket. You can find a list of your in-network doctors by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Once you know which doctors are in your network, you can select from that list to find an endocrinologist for diabetes.
 

4. Do your research
 

Once you have some names, do some research online to learn more about their expertise, affiliations, and practice. While online patient reviews can be helpful, keep in mind everyone has different needs and personalities. An endocrinologist that’s a good fit for one patient may not be a good fit for another. (This is why #6 and #7 on this list are so important.)
 

5. Check their credentials
 

Find out where your ideal endocrinologist candidate went to medical school and completed their fellowship program, if they’re board-certified, and their specialization. Make sure the endocrinologist has a particular interest in diabetes.
 

6. Visit the endocrinologist for diabetes
 

How friendly, helpful, and informative was the endocrinologist and their staff? You should feel comfortable in their office and feel like you can trust them. The ability for the two of you to communicate well is important for establishing a productive, long-term relationship.
 

7. Ask questions and observe
 

Write down questions ahead of time to ask prospective physicians. For example, what is their philosophy on weight management, glucose control and diabetes technology? If you use or are interested in using an insulin pump and CGM, are they familiar with these tools? What about diabetes management apps? A good endocrinologist for diabetes will have answers to these questions. 

Also feel free to ask about appointment occurrence/scheduling, refill policy, and doctor/patient communication in between office visits. Observe the office staff behavior regarding answering phones, wait times, and manners.
 

8. Bring the right information to appointments
 

Prepare for your appointments so your doctor can better help you meet your goals. Bring your recent log books or CareLink™ reports, diet and activity history, pertinent medical information, or any information on a new type of therapy you’re interested in learning more about.
 

9. Think about logistics
 

Do you want a physician close to home or your office? What are their office hours and will you need to take time off work for a doctor’s appointment? How important is it that you find someone who can easily fit into your schedule? After all, it’s no use finding your ideal endocrinologist for diabetes if your schedules don’t match up and you can’t see them.
 

10. Don’t be afraid to switch
 

Remember, this is your diabetes and no one else’s. If for any reason — and at any time — you’re not comfortable with the endocrinologist, practice, staff, or the way they manage your health, you have every right to switch. 

Take your care into your own hands by finding an ideal endocrinologist for diabetes based on your treatment needs. There’s no reason to settle for less than the best when it comes to your health.
 

[Originally published 2015-09-08. Updated 2023-08-23]