Diabetes Specialist in Guatemala City
Diabetes is not controlled by willpower. It is controlled with the right plan.
Millions of people live with diabetes without a real plan. Not because one does not exist — but because they never had a complete evaluation to design one.
When should you see an endocrinologist for diabetes?
You were recently diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Your glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been out of range for months
You are using insulin and would like to explore other options
You have prediabetes and want to act before it progresses
You have complications such as neuropathy, kidney problems, or vision issues
Your current treatment is not producing results
⚡ Consultations Monday through Saturday | By appointment only
1 in 10
adults worldwide lives with diabetes
50%
of type 2 diabetes cases are undiagnosed
HbA1c
the key indicator of long-term metabolic control
~70%
of patients with type 2 diabetes can improve control without insulin
Metformin is not the end of the road. It is just the beginning.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, caused by insulin deficiency or resistance. But its impact goes far beyond sugar — it affects the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyesight, and quality of life.
The most common mistake is treating it with diet and medication alone, without understanding the patient's complete metabolic profile. Good diabetes management requires evaluating residual pancreatic function, insulin resistance, associated comorbidities, and individual goals — not applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.
“I have seen patients on insulin who did not need it, and patients without insulin who did. The right treatment starts with the right diagnosis.”—Dra. Ma. Eugenia Penados
Symptoms that are not always linked to diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be present for years before diagnosis. Many symptoms are attributed to stress, tiredness, or age — when in reality they are metabolic signals.
Excessive thirst
Polydipsia — constant need to drink water, even after drinking enough.
Frequent urination
Especially at night. The kidneys try to eliminate excess glucose through urine.
Persistent fatigue
Cells do not receive adequate energy even though glucose is present in the blood.
Blurred vision
Changes in the lens due to glucose fluctuations. Can be intermittent.
Wounds that do not heal
Hyperglycemia impairs the immune response and peripheral circulation.
Tingling or numbness
Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage caused by sustained elevated glucose.
Recurrent infections
Especially urinary or fungal. Elevated glucose promotes bacterial growth.
Unexplained weight loss
More common in type 1 diabetes — the body burns muscle and fat due to insulin deficiency.
Acanthosis nigricans
Dark patches on the neck, armpits, or groin — a sign of insulin resistance.
Do you identify with any of these symptoms?
A one-hour initial consultation is all it takes to begin your evaluation and, when needed, reach a clear diagnosis
Not all diabetes is the same
The type of diabetes determines the cause, treatment, and prognosis. Correct classification is the first step toward a therapeutic plan that actually works.
Type 1 Diabetes
The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Requires lifelong insulin. Can appear at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance with progressive secretion deficit. Associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Treatable with multiple strategies.
Prediabetes
Elevated glucose that does not yet meet diabetes criteria. A window of opportunity to prevent or delay the disease with early intervention.
Monogenic Diabetes (MODY)
Caused by gene mutations. Autosomal dominant inheritance with variable phenotype. Frequently mistaken for type 1 or type 2.
Pancreatic Diabetes
Secondary to structural pancreatic damage from chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or surgery. Not autoimmune or metabolic in origin.
Drug-Induced Diabetes
Triggered by medications. The most common are corticosteroids, antipsychotics, antiretrovirals, and oncological immunotherapy (ICI).
Gestational Diabetes
Hyperglycemia first detected in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
In some cases classification is not immediate — especially between adult-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic antibody testing and C-peptide measurement allow for a more precise diagnosis when there is uncertainty. The clinical presentation of diabetes can change over time. Ongoing follow-up allows treatment to be adjusted as the condition evolves.
How diabetes is evaluated during your consultation
A complete diabetes evaluation goes beyond measuring glucose. It requires understanding the current level of control, existing or at-risk complications, and the patient's full metabolic profile. At Dr. Penados' consultation, all of this is integrated into a single hour.
Detailed medical history
Time since diagnosis, control history, current medications, hypoglycemic episodes, family history, and comorbidities.
Physical examination
Weight, body composition assessment (Tanita), blood pressure, foot and skin exam, and signs of complications.
Glycemic control evaluation
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose, glycemic profile. Review of glucometer or CGM records when applicable.
Pancreatic function
C-peptide to assess insulin reserve. Antibodies (anti-GAD, anti-IA2) when adult-onset type 1 diabetes is suspected.
Complications screening
Renal function (creatinine, microalbuminuria). TSH to rule out associated thyroid dysfunction. Peripheral neuropathy assessment during consultation.
Cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile
Full lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), blood pressure, renal and liver function. Helps identify and manage the cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes.
Why see Dr. Penados for your diabetes?
Internist and endocrinologist — a combination that matters
Diabetes rarely comes alone. Dr. Penados simultaneously manages hypertension, cholesterol, kidney function, and weight — not just glucose. That integrated view changes outcomes.
Complex cases and prior inadequate control
She has cared for patients with years of poor control, unnecessary insulin use, and developing complications. Difficult cases are welcome — and often have a solution that had not been explored.
One full hour to review everything
Diabetes cannot be optimized in 10 minutes. The first consultation includes a complete review of medical history, lab results, current plan, and the design of a new strategy — without rushing.
Treatment based on up-to-date evidence
Diabetes treatment standards change every year. Dr. Penados works with the most current guidelines — not the protocol she learned a decade ago.
Internist and endocrinologist — a combination that matters
Diabetes rarely comes alone. Dr. Penados simultaneously manages hypertension, cholesterol, kidney function, and weight — not just glucose. That integrated view changes outcomes.
Complex cases and prior inadequate control
She has cared for patients with years of poor control, unnecessary insulin use, and developing complications. Difficult cases are welcome — and often have a solution that had not been explored.
One full hour to review everything
Diabetes cannot be optimized in 10 minutes. The first consultation includes a complete review of medical history, lab results, current plan, and the design of a new strategy — without rushing.
Treatment based on up-to-date evidence
Diabetes treatment standards change every year. Dr. Penados works with the most current guidelines — not the protocol she learned a decade ago.
Ready to receive specialized endocrinological care?
Experience the difference of comprehensive, personalized, evidence-based treatment
Specialized Endocrinology in Guatemala
Clínica de Endocrinología, Metabolismo y Medicina Interna, Dra. Ma. Eugenia Penados Ovalle
6a avenida 4-01 zona 10, Edificio Medika 10, Nivel 3 (N3) Clínica 307Modern practice in the heart of Guatemala City
Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Emergency Care
Dr. Penados does not treat emergencies. For medical urgencies, please go to the emergency department of a hospital.
Coverage Areas
Guatemala City
- • Zone 10, 14, 15
- • Zone 9, 13, 16
- • Highway to El Salvador
Metropolitan Area
- • Mixco
- • Villa Nueva
- • Santa Catarina Pinula
- • San Cristóbal
Nationwide Coverage
- • All departments of Guatemala
- • Patients traveling from across the country
- • Periodic visits to Petén (approx. every 6 weeks)
Common questions, clear answers
Still have questions? Let's talk directly on WhatsApp for personalized answers.