Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition
The Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the glands of the endocrine system, including the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenals, pituitary and hypothalamus.
This complex system produces hormones that trigger and control essential processes, such as reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. They also enable our bodies to generate energy and manage nutrition.
Diseases We Treat
Patients benefit from our board-certified endocrinologists' skills and experience in treating a broad range of endocrine-related disorders, including:
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Bone diseases
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Parathyroid disease
- Pituitary disorders
- Thyroid disorders
These maladies can be complex and often involve interconnected systems and organs. We work closely with other specialists to develop the most effective treatment for each patient. In some instances, the most appropriate treatment may include surgery.
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Hormones produced by our two adrenal glands affect nearly every organ. They help our bodies control blood pressure and deal with stress. They also influence sexual development and reproduction.
Adrenal diseases that we treat frequently include Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease and tumors affecting the glands' function.
Bone Diseases
We diagnose and treat many bone diseases, such as osteomalacia (rickets), which causes bones to soften, and osteoporosis, which weakens the skeleton.
Certain hormones protect bone tissue. When these hormone levels drop, bones lose mass and weaken. Menopause, loss of testicular function and aging may put many patients at risk for bone breaks.
Through our Bone Density Testing Program, we offer a fast, painless and noninvasive bone density test to help patients determine how strong their bones are and how vulnerable they are to fractures.
Diabetes
Diabetic patients have too much sugar in their blood. The disease can cause blindness or kidney failure, or result in amputation. Precise blood sugar control helps prevent serious eye, kidney, nerve and circulatory system damage.
We help our patients manage their diabetes and control blood sugar with diet and medications, including insulin. We also help them monitor their blood sugar and prevent other health problems.
In addition, we offer a special Management and Education for Diabetes Program, staffed by skilled professionals who are experienced in working with diabetes patients.
Obesity
The division works closely with the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center in Manhattan to help reduce obesity and related diseases through research and comprehensive patient care.
We treat many obese patients whose conditions stem from metabolic and hormonal problems linked to thyroid, adrenal, ovarian and pituitary disorders. In addition to medical treatments, we help obese patients reduce and control their weight through personalized weight-loss programs.
Parathyroid Disease
Four lentil-sized parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in our bodies. This process enables our nervous and muscular systems to function properly.
The one major parathyroid disorder that we treat most often is overactivity. Excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone cause a potentially serious calcium imbalance called hyperparathyroidism. It can weaken bones and produce kidney stones.
Pituitary Disorders
The pituitary is often called the body's master gland because it controls other glands. Over- or underproduction of pituitary hormones can cause infertility, menstrual disorders and diseases such as Cushing's syndrome. It can also cause growth disorders in children.
We help our patients control these conditions with medications. Some may require surgery.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid regulates the body's overall metabolism. Patients with thyroid disorders often develop problems with their energy levels. They may also have trouble with muscle strength, emotions, weight control and tolerating heat or cold. By balancing their hormones, we enable our patients to manage these problems.
We also treat patients who have thyroid growths, swelling or cancer.
Cutting-Edge Research
Physicians in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition are on the faculty of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City and are on staff in St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals’ Department of Medicine. They are committed to participating in leading-edge research projects at both institutions.
For example, division members have participated in national clinical trials that focus on diabetes prevention, the prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetics, and improving diabetes treatment methods.
Advanced Facilities
Specialized laboratory facilities reinforce the division's ability to diagnose and treat our patients' endocrine system disorders, and help us manage their diabetes, obesity and nutrition. These facilities include a:
- Hormone measuring laboratory
- Body composition laboratory
- Energy expenditure measurement laboratory
Our Staff
The division, led by Xavier Pi-Sunyer, MD, a highly experienced physician, comprises clinical service and research components. It is staffed by over 90 skilled professionals, including endocrinologists, clinical and research fellows, PhD scientists, technologists, nutritionists, nurses and research coordinators.
In addition to Dr. Pi-Sunyer, our clinical healthcare providers include:
Jeanine Albu, MD
Lynn Allen, MD
Ella Ares, RN, ANP-BC, DNP, DCC
Robert Bernstein, MD
Edward Colt, MD
Victoria Drake, ANP
Sandra Foo, MD
Sylvaine Frances, PA, CDE
Ashita Gupta, MD, MPH
Blandine Laferrere, MD
Carmen Pal, MD
William Rosner, MD
Contact Us
For information, an appointment or a consultation, you can contact us at various locations in Manhattan, including the Upper West Side, West Harlem, Central Harlem and East Harlem.
UMPA at 59th Street
425 West 59th Street, Suite 8A
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-492-5500
Fax: 212-492-5555
UMPA at Amsterdam Avenue
1090 Amsterdam Avenue, Suites 4A/C
New York, NY 10025
Phone: 212-961-5500
Fax: 212-523-4720
Bone Density Testing Program
St. Luke’s Hospital
390 West 114th Street (BSMT)
New York, NY 10025
Phone: 212-523-2663
St. Luke’s Medical Group
2771 Frederick Douglass Boulevard at 147th Street
New York, NY 10039
Phone: 212-492-5500
UMPA at Madison Avenue
1827 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10035
Phone: 212-722-1441
UMPA at 81st Street
280 West 81st Street
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-496-2291
Upper West Side Family Practice at 86th Street
10 West 86th Street
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-595-1234
St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Physician Practice
581 Academy Street
New York, NY 10034
Phone: 212-567-3330
Useful Links
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
American Diabetes Association
Institute of Human Nutrition
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center