Dr. Agnieszka Dorota Barts – Endocrinologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Agnieszka Dorota Barts, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. Practicing at an endocrinology clinic or hospital department in New Westminster, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Barts's role primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care. The practice is dedicated to addressing a broad spectrum of hormonal and metabolic health issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic approaches and individualized treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). She maintains key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in endocrine care.

Dr. Barts's clinical philosophy is rooted in a commitment to evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, patient education, and early, accurate diagnosis. She strives to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term well-being, integrating the latest clinical guidelines and research. Dedicated to serving the community in New Westminster, she provides comprehensive endocrine care in English, ensuring clear communication and patient understanding throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Agnieszka Barts diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X, Insulin Resistance Syndrome): A cluster of conditions (central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels) occurring together, elevating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A progressive condition characterized by insulin resistance (where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin) and/or relative insulin deficiency, often linked to genetics, lifestyle factors, and obesity.
• Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• Hyperthyroidism & Thyrotoxicosis (Overactive Thyroid - e.g., Graves' Disease, Toxic Adenoma, Toxic Multinodular Goiter): Condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance.
• Thyroid Cancer (Differentiated - Papillary, Follicular; Medullary - follow-up care): Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists are involved in post-operative management, hormone suppression, and long-term surveillance.
• Thyroid Nodules & Multinodular Goiter: Solid or fluid-filled lumps (nodules) that form within the thyroid gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules. Most are benign but require evaluation for cancer risk.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis (Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphatemia): Imbalances in blood phosphate levels, which can be caused by various underlying conditions and affect bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
• Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.
• Rickets & Osteomalacia: Conditions characterized by softening and weakening of bones, typically due to severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. Rickets occurs in children, leading to skeletal deformities, while osteomalacia occurs in adults.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Agnieszka Barts.

• Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
• Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
• Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
• Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
• Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
• Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Barts for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Barts practices at an endocrinology clinic within a medical facility located in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. The location is conveniently situated near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, making it easily accessible for residents in the area. Public transit options include TransLink services, specifically the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes, providing reliable transportation links. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, offering flexible parking solutions for patients attending appointments.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Barts, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Barts, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Barts's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Barts, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?

Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Barts. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and when might Dr. Barts recommend it?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves taking medication to replace hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. Dr. Barts might recommend HRT for various conditions. For example, thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) is used for hypothyroidism. For women experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, using estrogen with or without progestogen) can be considered. For men with confirmed hypogonadism (low testosterone) and symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option. HRT is also crucial for individuals with adrenal insufficiency (cortisol/aldosterone replacement) or hypopituitarism (replacing deficient pituitary hormones). The decision to use HRT is highly individualized, based on the specific condition, symptoms, benefits, and potential risks, which Dr. Barts will discuss thoroughly.

Does Dr. Barts deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?

Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Barts has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems.

How does Dr. Barts typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?

Dr. Barts's approach to diabetes management is comprehensive and individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, the focus is on intensive insulin therapy (using multiple daily injections or an insulin pump), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), carbohydrate counting, and education on managing blood sugar fluctuations and preventing hypoglycemia. For Type 2 diabetes, management often starts with lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight loss), followed by oral medications if needed. Newer injectable medications (like GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors) or insulin may be added as the disease progresses or if blood sugar targets aren't met. In both types, a key goal is to achieve optimal glycemic control (measured by HbA1c and glucose monitoring) while minimizing side effects and preventing long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system. This often involves a multidisciplinary team approach.

210-245 Columbia St E
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W4

Phone: (604) 787-8808 | Fax: (604) 787-8806

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Barts is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Barts for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328251/Barts%2CAgnieszka