About
Dr. Laura Lynn Stewart, 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 within a hospital department in Vancouver, BC, 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 and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care for her patients.
Dr. Stewart graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). She has obtained key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her expertise and adherence to rigorous professional standards in endocrinology and metabolism.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, patient education on managing chronic conditions, early and accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans focused on long-term well-being. Dedicated to serving the Vancouver community, she provides comprehensive endocrine and metabolic care in English, striving to support her patients' health with compassion and professionalism.
Dr. Laura Stewart 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.
- 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.
- Hypoparathyroidism: A rare condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus levels.
- Hypercalcemia & Hypocalcemia (Disorders of Calcium Metabolism): Evaluation and management of abnormally high or low levels of calcium in the blood, which can have various underlying endocrine or non-endocrine causes.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism, Isolated Hormone Deficiencies): Condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of one or more crucial hormones (e.g., GH, ACTH, TSH, LH/FSH, ADH), requiring hormone replacement therapy.
- 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. Laura Stewart.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Stewart 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.
Located within a specialized hospital department in Vancouver's Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood, the endocrinology clinic serves as a key medical facility for hormone and metabolism care. The practice is situated near the Gastown Historic District and Woodward's Building, easily accessible via public transit options including TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Stewart, 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. Stewart, 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. Stewart's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Stewart, 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. Stewart. 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 types of diagnostic tests are commonly used by an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Stewart?
- An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Stewart 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.
- What conditions does an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Stewart 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. Stewart 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.
K4-208-4500 Oak St, B.C. Children's Hospital - Rm, Dept. of Pediatrics
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4
Phone: (604) 875-2624
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Stewart 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. Stewart 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/306052/Stewart%2CLaura