About
Dr. Ralf Paschke, 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 or hospital department in Calgary, AB. He is a dedicated member of the local medical community, adhering to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, ensuring patients receive personalized and effective hormonal and metabolic health care.
Dr. Paschke earned his medical degree through the German medical licensing examination, known as Arztliche Prufung, and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). He has completed extensive postgraduate training in endocrinology, endocrinology-specific role detail, and is credentialed to practice in Alberta, with the necessary certifications and licensure to deliver high-quality diabetes and metabolic care.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, emphasizing patient education, early and accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans that support long-term health and well-being. Dr. Paschke is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive endocrine care to his patients in Calgary. He is fluent in English, German, and French, facilitating clear communication and personalized care for a diverse patient population.
Dr. Ralf Paschke diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Thyroiditis (e.g., Subacute/De Quervain's, Postpartum, Silent/Painless): Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism, or persistent thyroid dysfunction, depending on the type.
- 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.
- 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.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- 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.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Ralf Paschke.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Paschke 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. Paschke practices at an endocrinology clinic located within an endocrinology hospital department in Calgary's SW: Bankview, South Calgary (Marda Loop area) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near the BMO Centre and accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The location is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Paschke, 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. Paschke, 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. Paschke's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Paschke, 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. Paschke. 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. Paschke 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. Paschke 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. Paschke typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?
- Dr. Paschke'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.
- I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?
- When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Paschke will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Dr. Paschke will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.
1820 Richmond Road SW, Richmond Road Diagnostic & Treatment Centre
Calgary, AB T2T 5C7
Phone: (403) 955-8969 | Fax: (403) 955-8248
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Paschke 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. Paschke 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=9693f47c-7bb9-45ea-84f9-c18572c7c7b7&i=1131