Dr. Albert Vu – Endocrinologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Albert Vu, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, he practices at an endocrinology clinic within an Edmonton-based hospital department situated in the vibrant S Central area, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The facility is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The practice is committed to delivering comprehensive hormone and metabolism care in a patient-centered environment. The clinic location is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

Dr. Vu graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta (Canada) and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism). He has completed extensive postgraduate training in endocrinology and metabolism, and maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His certifications confirm his qualification to provide specialized endocrine and metabolic healthcare in Alberta, adhering to provincial standards and best practices.

Guided by a commitment to evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, Dr. Vu emphasizes patient education on managing chronic conditions, early and accurate diagnosis, and tailoring personalized treatment plans aimed at long-term health and well-being. He dedicates himself to supporting patients in Edmonton with compassionate, comprehensive care. Dr. Vu provides consultations and ongoing management in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout every step of the patient journey.

Dr. Albert Vu diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation, requiring careful management to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.

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.
• 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.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Diabetes Insipidus (Central or Nephrogenic): A rare disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, caused by problems with the hormone vasopressin (ADH) or the kidneys' response to it.
• Male Hypogonadism (Primary & Secondary Testosterone Deficiency): Condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone, leading to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and infertility. Can be due to testicular failure or pituitary/hypothalamic issues.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Endocrine Management: A common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods, signs of androgen excess (e.g., hirsutism, acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, with associated metabolic risks.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Vu 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Vu's practice is located within an endocrinology clinic in Edmonton's S Central neighborhood, conveniently situated near the University of Alberta's Main Campus. The facility is accessible via public transit options provided by Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The clinic premises are wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the location, ensuring ease of access for all patients seeking expert hormone and metabolism care.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Vu, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Vu, 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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. Vu's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Vu, 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. Vu. 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 conditions does an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Vu typically treat?

An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the endocrine system, which is the network of glands that produce and release hormones. These hormones control many important body functions, including metabolism (how your body gets energy from foods), growth and development, sexual function and reproduction, sleep, and mood. He is an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), specializing in Diabetes & Metabolism. Dr. Vu manages conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, nodules), osteoporosis, adrenal gland disorders (like Cushing's or Addison's disease), pituitary gland disorders, parathyroid and calcium imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and some forms of hypertension or lipid disorders related to hormonal imbalances.

Dr. Vu mentioned 'dynamic endocrine testing'. What does that mean?

Dynamic endocrine testing involves tests that assess how your endocrine glands respond when stimulated or suppressed by specific substances. Unlike simple blood tests that measure baseline hormone levels, these tests evaluate the gland's functional reserve or its responsiveness to normal control mechanisms. For example, an ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol when stimulated. A dexamethasone suppression test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome by seeing if cortisol production can be suppressed. An oral glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose diabetes or acromegaly. These tests usually involve taking a baseline blood sample, then administering a medication or substance, followed by one or more timed blood samples to measure hormone changes. Dr. Vu uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

201 - 11044 82 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 0T2

Phone: (780) 250-4880 | Fax: (780) 250-4881

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

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

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b9acab56-e52f-4319-bcb6-98b61004707d&i=1510