Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism
Your endocrine system includes glands and organs that make hormones. Your body needs hormones to grow and develop, and for metabolism and sexual function. When hormone levels are too high or too low,they can affect everything from your mood to your bone strength.
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in these types of disorders. At PeaceHealth, endocrinologists work with a wide range of specialists to care for children and adults, including:
- Dietitians and fitness experts
- Nephrologists (kidney specialists)
- Primary care doctors
- Weight loss experts
Many endocrine conditions need lifelong management. Your care team will make sure you know how to take good care of yourself — whether that means following a special diet or looking out for symptoms.
Recognized diabetes program
PeaceHealth Nutrition and Diabetes Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. You get personal attention and support from dietitians and diabetes educators, who help you make diet and lifestyle changes to keep you healthy.
Integrated care
Endocrinologists, specially trained nurses and dietitians at PeaceHealth work with a wide range of specialists to design treatment that’s focused on your needs. They work with doctors who specialize in surgery, weight loss, reproductive health, kidney care and more — you benefit from a dedicated, integrated team.
Endocrinology expertise
Endocrinology specialists at PeaceHealth are experts in treating the full range of endocrine disorders. Your care team will help you understand and decide which treatments are right for you.
Personal attention
At PeaceHealth, your care team draws from a wide range of advanced therapies to tailor treatment to your needs. You benefit from the combined expertise of specialists at PeaceHealth, who work together to give you complete care.
Conditions We Treat
- Adrenal and pituitary problems
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Your pituitary gland is called the master gland because it creates hormones that direct functions all through your body and cause other glands — including your adrenal and thyroid glands — to make hormones. The most common cause of pituitary disorders is a benign (noncancerous) tumor.
- Diabetes
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Diabetes is caused by high glucose (blood sugar). After you eat or drink something, your body releases the hormone insulin to turn glucose into energy. With diabetes, this doesn't happen normally.
- Gestational diabetes
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A condition which develops during pregnancy.
- Infertility
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Hormone disorders are more likely to cause infertility in women than in men. Endocrinologists work with OB/Gyns to treat hormonal problems that make it hard for women to get pregnant. These problems include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and pituitary gland disorders.
- Obesity
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Sometimes, weight gain can be caused by pituitary or thyroid disorders. Also, being overweight can raise your risk of diabetes and other health conditions. Your doctor will design a treatment plan to help you lose weight.
- Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis causes your bones to weaken, which can make them break more easily. Your treatment may combine lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and medicine to slow bone loss and make your bones stronger.
- Prediabetes
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Blood sugar is higher than normal, but not enough to be diabetes.
- Thyroid disorders
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Your thyroid controls the way your body changes food into energy. Thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone), Hashimoto's disease, thyroid nodules and goiters.
- Type 1 diabetes
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The body doesn't make any insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes
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The body doesn't make enough insulin.
- Women's health issues
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Endocrinologists work closely with OB/Gyns to manage hormonal conditions such as menopause, PCOS, gestational diabetes and infertility.
Treatments Provided
- Cancer diagnostics
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PeaceHealth offers a wide range of cancer diagnostic tools and techniques, including biopsies, advanced imaging, nuclear medicine and much more.
- Diabetes education
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You'll learn how to control your blood sugar and improve your health. PeaceHealth offers one-on-one consultations and diabetes education classes. Your care team can help with everything from deciding which devices are right for your lifestyle — such as glucose monitoring systems and training on insulin pumps — to providing guidance on meal planning, foot care, exercise and more.
- Diabetic Surgery
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Surgeons at PeaceHealth use advanced methods for thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland and pancreas surgeries. When possible, they use the least-invasive approaches — including robotic-assisted surgery, which may help you recover faster.
- Diagnostics/laboratory services
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On-site blood draws, urinalysis, strep tests, X-rays and more.
- Medicine management
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Your treatment may include prescription or over-the-counter medicines to control your symptoms. Medicines may include pills, nasal sprays, inhalers and sinus rinses.
- Nuclear medicine imaging
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These tests use a small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer) and a camera to look for problems in your thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.
- Nutrition counseling
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Diet and nutrition play an important role in helping you feel your best. Nutritionists will work closely with you to form an effective eating plan.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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If you have osteoporosis, you may work with a physical therapist to help strengthen your bones with weight-bearing exercises. Your therapist will also help you improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility to prevent falls.
- Weight Loss for Life Program
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Weight Loss for Life is a weight loss and lifestyle-change program that helps you lose weight and develop healthy lifelong habits. You can choose from a do-it-yourself plan or an in-clinic program at PeaceHealth with classes, coaching, support groups and more. You decide what’s right for you.
PeaceHealth offers this nationally recognized program in partnership with Health Management Resources (HMR®)[Link to https://www.hmrprogram.com], a leader in clinically proven, medical weight loss programs.HMR's plans are backed by ears of scientific research and are known for successful weight loss results.
The Weight Loss for Life team at PeaceHealth includes:
- Doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurses
- Dietitians
The program is designed to make it easier and more convenient for you to lose weight and to get and stay healthy. It includes tasty, affordable meals and has easy-to-follow daily plans for eating and exercising. No matter which plan you choose, you will get nutritional guidance, coaching and support to help you meet your weight loss goals.
What to expect
Come to a free information session [Link to information session page] to learn more about the Weight Loss for Life program and find a plan that’s a good fit for you. The length of the program will depend on how much weight you want to lose and which plan you choose.
The structured weight loss part of the program includes meals, shakes and snacks. Once you’ve lost the weight, you can continue with the maintenance program for as long as you want.
The Weight Loss for Life program at PeaceHealth isn’t just a diet — it’s a way to take off the weight for good.
Nationally recognized weight loss plan
Weight Loss for Life is among the Best Fast Weight Loss Diets recognized by U.S. News and World Report. The plan earned top ranking in the short-term weight loss category.
Weight loss program excellence
PeaceHealth has earned the Health Management Resources® Gold Standard Award, which is given to the top five affiliate programs in the nation. This award recognizes PeaceHealth’s high-performing weight loss programs and excellent patient care.
Choices to fit your lifestyle
You choose the Weight Loss for Life plan that’s right for you. Whether you want the convenience of an at-home program or you need a medically supervised plan with plenty of support, you have choices.
An easy-to-follow, structured plan
The Weight Loss for Life program takes the guesswork out of what to eat and how to lose weight. Each day, you have simple eating and exercise guidelines, and you track your progress.
All Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism Locations



Ketchikan, AK 99901

Vancouver, WA 98686


Ketchikan, AK 99901

Florence, OR 97439





Eugene, OR 97402

Eugene, OR 97405