Dr. David Hip Wah Shu – Endocrinologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. David Hip Wah Shu, 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 Dr. David Shu in New Westminster, BC, and is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Shu's role encompasses the comprehensive management of hormonal and metabolic health, specializing in conditions such as diabetes mellitus, lipid disorders, and other endocrine system issues.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). He is board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to high standards of specialist endocrinology care and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Shu is committed to providing evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, emphasizing patient education, early and accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. He strives to support his patients’ long-term health and well-being through compassionate, comprehensive endocrine management. He conducts consultations primarily in English and dedicates himself to serving the community of New Westminster with a focus on enhancing quality of life through expert endocrine care.

Dr. David Shu diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• 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.
• Pituitary Adenomas & Tumors (e.g., Prolactinoma, Non-Functioning Adenoma, GH-secreting/Acromegaly, ACTH-secreting/Cushing's Disease): Mostly benign growths in the pituitary gland that can cause symptoms due to hormone overproduction (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH), hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism), or pressure effects on surrounding structures.

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.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Shu 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. David Shu practices in New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Douglas College New Westminster Campus and the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, making it accessible via public transit such as TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexibility for patients attending appointments.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Shu, 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. Shu, 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. Shu's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Shu, 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. Shu. 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. Shu 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. Shu uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.

What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Shu?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Shu if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.

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

Dr. Shu'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 treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Shu discuss?

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Shu will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This starts with lifestyle modifications, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements), engaging in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Fall prevention strategies are also important. If medication is indicated based on your bone density (DXA scan) and fracture risk assessment (e.g., using FRAX or CAROC tools), options include antiresorptive medications that slow bone loss (like bisphosphonates or denosumab) or anabolic agents that stimulate new bone formation (like teriparatide or romosozumab). He will help choose the most appropriate therapy based on your individual circumstances, potential side effects, and treatment goals.

Dr. David Shu
#210 245 Columbia St E
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W4

Phone: (604) 787-8808 | Fax: (604) 787-8806 | Website: http://www.mydoctor.ca/drshu

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Shu 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. Shu 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/325854/Shu%2CDavid