Dr. Andrea Maria Haqq – Endocrinologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Andrea Maria Haqq, 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 Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality and safe endocrine care. Dr. Haqq’s approach emphasizes personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient's unique needs, with a focus on improving long-term health outcomes for hormonal and metabolic health.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary (Canada) and has completed extensive postgraduate training in endocrinology. Dr. Haqq holds the necessary certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), allowing her to practice at the highest standards within Alberta. Her training includes specialized fellowships and certifications that qualify her to diagnose and treat complex hormonal and metabolic disorders effectively.

Dr. Haqq's clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, patient education, early and accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment plans that promote long-term well-being. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive endocrine services in Edmonton, ensuring her patients understand their conditions and treatment options. She offers care exclusively in English, fostering clear communication and patient understanding throughout her practice.

Dr. Andrea Haqq diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Diabetes Complications (Neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy - endocrine management aspects): Management focused on glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control to prevent or slow the progression of nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage associated with diabetes.
• 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

• 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.
• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal, Senile, Glucocorticoid-Induced): A progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid - e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Post-Ablation): A common condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin.
• Hypoparathyroidism: A rare condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus levels.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Haqq 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. Haqq's practice is located within an endocrinology clinic at a hospital department in the S Central neighbourhood of Edmonton, near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park. The location is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots, providing flexibility for patients attending appointments. The practice is situated close to major city attractions such as the Major Concerts venues and ICE District, making it a convenient choice for residents in Edmonton seeking expert endocrine care.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Haqq, 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. Haqq, 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. Haqq's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Haqq, 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. Haqq. 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.

Dr. Haqq 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. Haqq uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

What conditions does an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Haqq 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. She is an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), specializing in Diabetes & Metabolism. Dr. Haqq 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.

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

Dr. Haqq'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.

What types of diagnostic tests are commonly used by an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Haqq?

An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Haqq utilizes a variety of tests to diagnose endocrine disorders. Blood tests are fundamental for measuring levels of specific hormones (e.g., TSH, free T4, cortisol, ACTH, testosterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, insulin, HbA1c, prolactin, PTH, calcium, vitamin D). She often orders dynamic endocrine function tests, where hormone levels are measured after administering a stimulating or suppressing agent (e.g., ACTH stimulation test for adrenal function, oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes/acromegaly, dexamethasone suppression test for Cushing's). Imaging studies like thyroid ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs of the pituitary or adrenal glands are common. Bone mineral density (DXA) scans assess for osteoporosis. For thyroid nodules, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy might be performed or arranged.

8440 112 St NW, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Center
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 407-1568

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Haqq 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. Haqq 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=81594330-5bdd-46cc-8851-e5127b56bf9c&i=587