About
Dr. Chhaya Makhija holds triple board certification in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Internal Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She earned her medical degree in India, where her interest in hormones and their influence on whole-body health first took shape. Her residency training spanned Internal Medicine and Diabetes Research at Hackensack Mountainside Hospital in New Jersey and Albert Einstein in New York. She then completed her Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She has cared for patients in California since 2015 and carries nearly two decades of combined clinical and academic experience.
Dr. Makhija holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from eCornell University and serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at CHSU-COM and Clinical Associate Professor at UCSF, Fresno. She founded Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care in 2021 as the first direct-care endocrinology and lifestyle medicine practice in California. Her clinical passions include diabetes management, thyroid disorders, PCOS, perimenopause, metabolic health, GLP-1 therapies, and continuous glucose monitoring. She hosts the Hormones and Hope Podcast and organizes Walk with a Doc events in Fresno. Her journey from India to the United States informs her integrative approach, bridging Eastern and Western medicine throughout her practice.
Education & Training
Medical School
Medical school in India (institution name not specified)
Residency
Internal Medicine and Diabetes Research, Hackensack Mountainside Hospital (New Jersey) and Albert Einstein (New York)
Fellowship
Endocrinology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
Additional Training
Plant-Based Nutrition Certification, eCornell University; Adjunct Associate and Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at CHSU-COM and UCSF, Fresno
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Makhija right for?
Dr. Makhija is a strong match for adults managing complex or poorly controlled endocrine conditions, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome. Patients navigating perimenopause, menopause, or adrenal and pituitary disorders benefit from her specialist depth and extended visit format. She works well with patients who want lifestyle and nutrition integrated into their medical care alongside prescriptions. Those seeking continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump management, or GLP-1 therapy receive hands-on, ongoing support. Patients throughout California, including those who prefer telehealth, can access her care directly without a referral.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Makhija treats a broad range of endocrine and metabolic conditions. These include Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, thyroid nodules, osteoporosis, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, adrenal disorders, Cushing's syndrome, pituitary disorders, hyperparathyroidism, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Yes. Dr. Makhija holds three board certifications. The American Board of Internal Medicine certified her in both Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Internal Medicine. The American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certified her in Lifestyle Medicine. She also holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from eCornell University.
Dr. Makhija completed her medical education in India before moving to the United States. She trained in Internal Medicine and Diabetes Research at Hackensack Mountainside Hospital in New Jersey and Albert Einstein in New York. She then completed her Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Dr. Makhija takes a comprehensive approach to diabetes that goes well beyond medication management. She integrates continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump training, GLP-1 therapy, lifestyle counseling, and personalized nutrition into each patient's plan. She works closely with Certified Diabetes Education Specialist and NP Edith Boldt to provide patients with dedicated diabetes education visits.
Yes. Dr. Makhija performs diagnostic thyroid ultrasounds in-office during the visit. This allows her to review imaging findings immediately and discuss results with patients the same day. Thyroid ultrasound is included as clinically necessary within the initial consultation and membership.
Lifestyle medicine is central to how Dr. Makhija approaches every patient. She integrates plant-based nutrition, mindfulness, and behavioral coaching alongside hormonal and metabolic treatment. Her DipABLM certification reflects formal training in this discipline, and she draws on both Eastern and Western medical traditions in her clinical work.
Dr. Makhija brings nearly two decades of combined clinical and academic experience to her patients. She has cared for patients in California since 2015. She also serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at CHSU-COM and Clinical Associate Professor at UCSF, Fresno, where she works with medical students and residents.
Yes. Dr. Makhija offers telehealth appointments for all California residents. Patients throughout the state can access her specialist care remotely without needing to visit one of her in-person offices in Fresno or Lafayette.
Dr. Makhija hosts the Hormones and Hope Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. The show covers hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle medicine to help patients better understand their health. It reflects her commitment to patient education beyond the clinic.
Doctor profile last updated August 17, 2026