Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology 

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a leader in recognizing the importance and impact of the endocrine system on so many aspects of our health. The Center Diabetes & Endocrinology has three highly skilled endocrinologists, Dr. Dominica Costello, Dr. Neil Ravin and Dr. Heath Meattey, on staff in order to offer patients a comprehensive approach to all aspects of endocrinology.

Endocrine glands are a group of glands in the body which secrete hormones that control basic body functions such as metabolism, growth and sexual development. One such gland, the endocrine pancreas, is critical in controlling blood sugar and overall glucose metabolism. This is the mechanism at the root of diabetes.
 
Other endocrine disorders can involve the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, adrenal cortex, and gonads. They can impact a wide range of medical issues, including obesity, chronic fatigue, infertility, menopause, and problems with concentration and brain function.

Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder.  Our endocrinologists play an important role in the diagnosis, complications and treatment of diabetes. They are part of a medical team who members offer a comprehensive, caring and highly personalized diabetes education and treatment program. Under the supervision of your personal physician and our ADA recognized diabetologist, our team of experts provides the latest in diabetes treatment.

Millions of Americans Have Diabetes

More than 21 million Americans are believed to have diabetes, but only half of them know it. Knowing whether or not you have diabetes is the first step to controlling it. Common symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, extreme thirst, intense hunger, frequent urination, sores that are slow to heal (especially on the feet), fast weight loss, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in fingers or toes. Our first step with every patient is a careful evaluation of how diabetes is affecting your health.

Leading Edge Resources

New technology enables people to look at blood sugars more often, to measure nerve damage in order to prevent/detect heart complications and to deliver insulin without injections.

The Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology has access to such leading-edge resources as glucose sensors, insulin pumps, and a computerized system of assessing control of blood sugar levels. Our program places an emphasis on medical nutritional therapy and comprehensive education.

Certified Diabetes Educators Emphasize Patient Education

Diabetes education is a vital component of the care patients receive at the Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology. Our Certified Diabetes Educators (who are registered nurses and a dietitian) teach survival skills such as blood glucose monitoring, prevention of hypoglycemia, insulin starts, foot care, and sick day management. Group classes cover such areas as diet management, exercise, family involvement, and dining out.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology has been awarded recognition for its self-management education programs by the American Diabetes Association. The Association's Education Recognition Certificate recognizes that our educational programs meet the National Standards.

Please visit the Education section of this Web site for more detail about educational programs and services offered by the Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology.