What a diabetologist actually does, when you need one instead of a GP, and how diabetes is managed at Dr. Sanjay Sachdev's practice (MBBS, MNAMS) — Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes, CGM-led titration, GLP-1s and a reversal-first pathway for early Type 2. Friends Colony East and Maharani Bagh, South Delhi.
Diagnosis (fasting glucose, OGTT, HbA1c, antibody testing where Type 1 is suspected), drug selection across metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists and insulin, and structured complication screening — retina, kidney (urine albumin-creatinine ratio), nerves, feet and cardiovascular risk. Diabetes is never treated in isolation from BP, lipids, thyroid and weight.
CGM and HbA1c read together
HbA1c is an average and hides the story. Libre, Dexcom and Guardian downloads are reviewed at each visit for time-in-range, variability, nocturnal lows and the dawn phenomenon, then basal, bolus and GLP-1 doses are titrated against that data rather than generic sliding scales.
Reversal-first for early Type 2
Where beta-cell reserve remains, the plan starts with weight loss, resistance training and nutrition, adds GLP-1 support if clinically indicated, and de-escalates medication in stages. HbA1c targets are written down at the first visit and tracked quarterly, so progress is measurable.
Insulin and Type 1 support
Multi-dose insulin regimens, pump therapy and hybrid closed-loop systems are supported, along with hypo-avoidance planning, sick-day rules, Ramadan and travel adjustments, and pre-conception care for women with diabetes.
Two South Delhi clinics, home sample collection
Friends Colony East (C-58) and Maharani Bagh (E-64) — 5–15 minutes from most of South and South-East Delhi. Home phlebotomy is available for HbA1c, lipids, kidney function, urine ACR and vitamin D, with reports reviewed together at follow-up.
Frequently asked
6 answers
What does a diabetologist do?+
A diabetologist diagnoses and manages diabetes long-term — Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. That means HbA1c and CGM interpretation, insulin and GLP-1 titration, screening for eye, kidney, nerve and heart complications, and managing the BP, cholesterol and weight that travel with diabetes.
Diabetologist vs endocrinologist — which do I need?+
For 90% of diabetes patients a diabetologist or MD Internal Medicine physician is the right doctor. An endocrinologist is needed for pituitary, adrenal, complex thyroid or fertility-hormone disease. Dr. Sanjay Sachdev (MBBS, MNAMS) covers outpatient diabetes, thyroid, PCOS and obesity, and refers on when a sub-specialist is genuinely required.
When should I see a diabetologist instead of my GP?+
If HbA1c stays above 7% despite medication, if you are on insulin or three or more oral drugs, if you have frequent hypos, if a complication has appeared (protein in urine, numbness, retinopathy), or if you want to attempt reversal of early Type 2 rather than lifelong escalation.
How often should a diabetic see their doctor?+
Every 3 months while HbA1c is above target or medication is changing; every 6 months once stable. An annual visit should always include HbA1c, kidney function with urine ACR, lipids, foot exam, retina screening and BP review.
Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?+
Early Type 2 — within roughly 5–6 years of diagnosis, with preserved beta-cell function — can often go into remission with 10–15% weight loss, resistance training, protein-first nutrition and, where indicated, GLP-1 support with a staged medication taper. It needs supervision; it is not a self-managed project.
What does a diabetologist consultation cost in Delhi?+
See the /pricing page for current consultation and test charges at Dr. Sachdev's Friends Colony East and Maharani Bagh clinics. First visits run 45–60 minutes and include a written plan.