“After receiving the news about Dena’s diabetes, we met with a geneticist and then a pediatric endocrinologist who examined her. He said ‘I think I know what she has. I think it’s something called generalized lipodystrophy.’”
SHELLY / / DENA’S MOTHER
“After receiving the news about Dena’s diabetes, we met with a geneticist and then a pediatric endocrinologist who examined her. He said ‘I think I know what she has. I think it’s something called generalized lipodystrophy.’”
SHELLY / / DENA’S MOTHER
Who might I talk to if I suspect GL?
Because GL is so rare, many doctors are not familiar with it and may not recognize the signs and symptoms as GL. For this reason, your doctor may need to connect you with multiple specialists who can help answer different questions about your conditions, to get closer to a diagnosis.
Below are some of the doctors you may see along the way and what they specialize in. Click on or hover over each icon to read more about that specialist.
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologist
Doctor who focuses on treating disorders of the endocrine glands. This includes diabetes and other hormone disorders.
Cardiologist
Cardiologist
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the heart.
Lipidologist
Lipidologist
Doctor who focuses on conditions such as high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
Nephrologist
Nephrologist
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the kidneys.
Pediatrician/Primary Care Doctor
Pediatrician/Primary Care Doctor
Doctor who monitors your overall body and health.
Hepatologist
Hepatologist
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the liver.
Geneticist
Geneticist
Doctor who focuses on genetic diseases, or diseases people are born with, like congenital GL.
Doctor who focuses on treating disorders of the endocrine glands. This includes diabetes and other hormone disorders.
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the heart.
Doctor who focuses on conditions such as high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the kidneys.
Doctor who monitors your overall body and health.
Doctor who focuses on conditions of the liver.
Doctor who focuses on genetic diseases, or diseases people are born with, like congenital GL.
Faces of GL: Finally, all the pieces came together
So many specialists. So many possible diagnoses. For Dena and Raeya, different factors led to a GL diagnosis. Play video to learn more.
The biggest advocate is you
For some, it can take a long time to get diagnosed with GL. Because GL is such a rare disease, many doctors do not know much about it and may not recognize the signs and symptoms of GL. This means that GL is often misdiagnosed with another disease along the way. For this reason, it is important for you to be a strong advocate for yourself (or your child). Be sure to tell each doctor what other doctors have told you about your (or your child’s) symptoms. Working with your doctors to put together the pieces of the puzzle will help you get closer to a diagnosis.
It is important to always keep pushing forward to get answers if you suspect GL. In the next section, Resources and Support, learn about different organizations that provide advice and support for people living with rare diseases.
