Dr. Carmina Charles, MD

Dr. Carmina Charles, MD is an endocrinologist practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Diabetes & Endocrinology in Orlando, FL. She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive endocrine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your endocrinologist is your primary partner in preventing hormonal and metabolic issues, creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and empowering you to manage your overall wellness for a healthier future. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 303-2801 to schedule.

Dr. Charles is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and internal medicine, with board eligibility in diabetes, metabolism, and medical genetics. As a physician nutrition specialist, she specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and metabolic and nutrition disorders. A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, she completed her residency and fellowships at Orlando Health and the Medical University of South Carolina, culminating in a Chief Endocrinology Fellowship. She is a tri-lingual provider, offering consultations in English, Creole, and French. Dr. Charles's commitment to comprehensive care, coupled with her extensive training and experience, makes her an invaluable partner in your health journey.

Dr. Carmina Charles's approach emphasizes preventative care, empowering patients to take control of their health. Her personalized care plans and proactive screenings are designed to address potential issues before they become problems, fostering a healthier future for all patients. She understands that every individual has unique needs, and she strives to deliver exceptional care, tailored to each patient's specific requirements. Call (407) 303-2801 today to schedule your consultation.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Carmina Charles is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Carmina Charles can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Carmina Charles provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): Regular checkups and adherence to prescribed medications are crucial for individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to prevent severe complications and maintain overall well-being.
• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is a natural process, but early detection of associated health risks, such as mood changes or weight fluctuations, enables timely interventions that prevent severe complications later on.
• Congenital Hypothyroidism: Managing congenital hypothyroidism effectively through early diagnosis and treatment minimizes long-term health problems and ensures normal development in children.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors: Neuroendocrine tumors are rare growths that can affect hormone production, and early detection through regular checkups and awareness of family history can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent complications.
• Diabetes: Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify prediabetes early, giving you a crucial opportunity to make lifestyle changes and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• Pituitary Gland Cancer: Knowing the signs and symptoms of pituitary gland cancer empowers you to seek medical attention promptly, increasing your chances of successful treatment and long-term well-being.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Regular checkups, including A1c tests, and careful adherence to your diabetes treatment plan are key to preventing the life-threatening condition of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Thyroid Cancer: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may reduce your risk of developing thyroid cancer and improve overall well-being.
• Thyroiditis: Protecting your thyroid health involves understanding the risks of thyroiditis—inflammation of the thyroid—and seeking medical attention promptly for early diagnosis and treatment to minimize potential long-term effects.
• Diabetes Insipidus: Understanding your risk factors for diabetes insipidus allows for proactive steps to minimize its development and impact.
• Symptomatic Menopause: Don't let menopause symptoms control your life; understanding and addressing them proactively can improve your overall health and well-being.
• Adrenal Gland Cancer: Knowing your family history and undergoing recommended screenings can help identify adrenal gland cancer early, preventing its progression to more advanced stages.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Carmina Charles offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Thyroid Biopsy: Protecting your endocrine health, a thyroid biopsy is a valuable tool to rule out or confirm thyroid conditions. Early detection through a biopsy helps enable appropriate treatment and improves the overall health outcomes.
• Water Deprivation Test: A water deprivation test helps your doctor assess your body's ability to regulate fluids and identify potential hormonal imbalances that may lead to conditions like diabetes insipidus.
• Dynamic Endocrine Function Test: Take charge of your health with a dynamic endocrine function test; it's a comprehensive screening that detects subtle hormonal changes before they cause significant symptoms.
• Diabetes Screening: Don't wait for symptoms—a diabetes screening provides valuable insights into your blood sugar levels, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps you proactively track your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, empowering you to make informed decisions to prevent or manage diabetes complications.
• Diabetes Counseling: Take control of your blood sugar levels and prevent future complications with personalized diabetes counseling.
• Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: A thyroid nodule evaluation helps detect any abnormalities in your thyroid gland early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This proactive blood test helps reveal how well your body handles sugar, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about your metabolic health and prevent future problems.
• Thyroid Screening: Thyroid screening helps detect imbalances early, preventing potential health problems related to your metabolism and overall well-being.
• Diabetic Evaluation: Take charge of your health with a diabetic evaluation; it's a comprehensive assessment that detects early signs of diabetes and allows for timely intervention.
• Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Prevent the long-term consequences of an underactive thyroid by seeking thyroid hormone replacement, restoring your metabolism and improving your quality of life.
• Thyroid Scan: Taking a proactive step towards better health, a thyroid scan allows us to assess your thyroid's structure and activity to identify any problems before they cause significant symptoms.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Endocrinologies in Florida.

Dr. Carmina Charles is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a family with a child diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) experienced fewer episodes of the condition's symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and well-being. Regular checkups and medication allowed them to lead fulfilling lives.
• By proactively addressing potential perimenopause symptoms, a patient gained valuable insights into managing mood changes and weight fluctuations, effectively reducing the risk of future complications and fostering peace of mind.
• Knowing the importance of early detection, a family proactively sought guidance on congenital hypothyroidism, minimizing potential long-term health issues and ensuring their child's optimal development.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Endocrine care with Dr. Carmina Charles:

What is an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a medical doctor specializing in the endocrine system, which includes the glands that produce hormones. They diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances, and manage conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and PCOS.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn't produce insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning the body doesn't use insulin effectively, often initially managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications, but may eventually require insulin.

How do insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) help manage diabetes?

Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are advanced technologies that help achieve tighter diabetes control. A CGM is a sensor that tracks glucose levels throughout the day, preventing dangerous highs and lows. An insulin pump delivers precise doses of insulin, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas.

How can an endocrinologist help with weight management?

Dr. Carmina Charles can investigate and treat any underlying hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to weight gain. She can also use an evidence-based approach that may include lifestyle counseling and prescription medications for obesity.

Why is it important to control blood sugar during pregnancy?

Controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is vital to prevent complications for both you and your baby. It helps prevent the baby from becoming too large, reduces the risk of a cesarean delivery, and lowers your future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What is a bone density test (DEXA scan)?

A DEXA scan is a simple, low-radiation X-ray that measures bone mineral density. It's the gold standard for diagnosing conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, and is a critical preventive tool for assessing your fracture risk.

I was told I have prediabetes. Can I prevent it from becoming Type 2 diabetes?

Yes, a prediabetes diagnosis is a critical opportunity for prevention. Dr. Carmina Charles can create a personalized plan involving modest weight loss, dietary changes, and increased physical activity, which can significantly delay or even prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

What is Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in the U.S. It's an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing damage over time. Fortunately, it's easily managed with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

AdventHealth Medical Group Diabetes & Endocrinology at Orlando
2415 N Orange Ave Ste 502
Orlando FL 32804
Phone: (407) 303-2801

Dr. Carmina Charles, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1437300142

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Endocrinologies like Dr. Carmina Charles are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your endocrinology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.