Who Is Dr Ester Yeoh?

You should consider consulting an endocrinologist when you experience symptoms or have conditions that are related to an underlying hormonal imbalance or disorder in the endocrine system. These symptoms can be quite varied but some common symptoms include:

a) Unexplained or rapid weight gain or weight loss – this could indicate an underlying thyroid or metabolic disorder.

b) Fatigue or weakness – thyroid or adrenal issues could be a cause for this.

c) Changes in appetite or thirst – excessive hunger, thirst or urination are common symptoms of diabetes or other hormonal imbalances.

d) Menstrual irregularities – many different hormones affect our reproductive cycle.

e) High blood pressure that is difficult to control or at very young age of onset.

f) Bone health concerns – low bone density or history of fractures could indicate a problem with calcium or vitamin D regulation.

g) Goitre or neck lump – this could point to a thyroid issue.

I stay updated with current advancements and research by attending conferences, webinars and lectures. I also continue to read the latest medical literature and subscribe to medical journals. 

My philosophy is that of person-centered, holistic care that is delivered with empathy and compassion, considering the needs, preferences and values of the individual in front of me. I believe that all patients should be well-informed of their condition and treatment options so that they can take proactive steps to manage their condition. I also emphasize on prevention and health promotion, emphasizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to improve long term health and well-being.

Top 3 most common misconceptions or myths:

a) Diabetes is caused by excessive sugar consumption.

Fact: There are 2 main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder and not preventable by lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which is influenced by factors like genetics, being overweight, lacking physical activity and having a poor diet, not limited to sugar intake alone.

b) Endocrine disorders only affect women

Fact: Men can also be affected by various endocrine conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, testosterone deficiency and osteoporosis. Endocrine health is important for everyone, regardless of gender and age.

c) Hormonal imbalances are always obvious.

Fact: Hormonal imbalances can sometimes present with subtle symptoms and may be sometimes mistaken for normal aging or stress, making it difficult to diagnose without proper testing.

Having a good understanding of their treatment choices helps in improving health outcomes. I take great effort communicating clearly and explaining the condition to my patients with the help of drawings and diagrams, using simplified words. I explain the likely outcomes of the different treatment options along with the benefits and potential risks or side effects of each treatment option. I encourage my patients to ask questions and if necessary, provide them with additional time to consider the different treatment options with written resources like education pamphlets or websites to learn more about the condition and treatment options.

3 exciting developments in the field of diabetes care:

a) Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Advances in CGM technology has improved the accuracy of glucose readings and CGM technology provides better insights into glucose trends, guiding therapy adjustments.

b) Automated insulin delivery systems. These systems combine CGM and an insulin pump (insulin delivery device) to adjust insulin delivery in real-time, responding to changes in blood glucose levels and keeping them within a target range, simulating the function of a healthy pancreas. These newer systems have made it easier for patients to achieve tighter blood glucose control with less effort and fewer fluctuations, leading to better overall outcomes.

c) Newer medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual-action therapies (GLP-1 and GIP agonists) have demonstrated effective glucose lowering effects, facilitate weight loss and cardioprotective effects, which offer a novel treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors also help lower blood glucose, promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease.

It is important to maintain healthy blood glucose levels to prevent long-term complications to the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels. Regular self-monitoring of blood sugar levels helps ensure that they stay within target ranges. Checking in with your doctor at regular intervals to check on the HbA1c (3 month blood glucose average) also helps to ensure that you keep this within target range. Annual checks with your doctor should include an eye check (retinal photograph), foot screening, urine and kidney blood test.