About
Dr. Lukasz Ariel Materek, 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 offers comprehensive hormone and metabolic health management. Practicing at Lukasz Materek Clinic Victoria in Victoria, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Materek's role involves delivering focused endocrine evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment planning tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Materek graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada. He holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and certifications ensure that he remains committed to providing the highest standard of hormone and metabolism care, grounded in current clinical best practices.
His clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, emphasizing early and accurate diagnosis, patient education, and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Materek is dedicated to supporting his patients in Victoria through comprehensive management of chronic endocrine conditions, fostering long-term health and well-being. He provides care in English, with a compassionate approach tailored to each individual's health journey.
Dr. Lukasz Materek diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar - various causes): Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can occur as a side effect of diabetes treatment (insulin or certain oral medications), or due to other underlying conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency.
- 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.
- 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.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Adrenal Nodules (Incidentalomas) & Adrenal Tumors (e.g., Pheochromocytoma, Aldosteronoma): Masses found on the adrenal glands, often discovered incidentally. Evaluation is needed to determine if they are hormonally active or potentially malignant.
- 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.
- 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.
Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders
- Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency: Inadequate levels of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization, leading to potential bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased fracture risk.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Lukasz Materek.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Materek 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.
Lukasz Materek Clinic Victoria is situated in the vibrant Quadra Village neighborhood, near the Topaz Park Area in Victoria, BC. The clinic is conveniently accessible from the BC Transit Hub, with multiple stops on the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit) making it easy for patients to reach. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing additional convenience for those traveling by personal vehicle. The clinic aims to offer a welcoming, accessible environment for all individuals seeking specialized endocrine care.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Materek, 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. Materek, 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. Materek's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Materek, 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. Materek. 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 treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Materek discuss?
- If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Materek 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.
- What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?
- Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Materek 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.
Lukasz Materek Clinic Victoria
3939 Quadra St Unit 402
Victoria, BC V8X 1J5
Phone: (250) 727-6621 | Fax: (250) 727-0478
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Materek 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. Materek 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/330818/Materek%2CLukasz