To take good care of your diabetes through the years, you'll need help from a variety of health care providers. You'll have appointments regularly with several of these providers and others you will just need to see once or twice a year or as a need arises. Don't wait for a crisis to find these people. Put your diabetes team together NOW.
You:
You are captain of your team-the person in charge. That means you need to know about diabetes and have the skills to manage your diabetes day to day. You also need to be aware of when other checks and tests should be done to help you and your health care provider know that your diabetes is in control.
Your Pharmacist:
He or she can help you select the diabetes supplies that meet your needs, and answer your diabetes medication questions. Your pharmacist also can help you learn to use your diabetes care products, such as your blood glucose meter.
Primary Care Provider:
Today most people have a primary care provider (PCP). This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant, who you see about all your health needs including diabetes. Most PCPs are not, nor can they be expected to be, diabetes experts. If you feel that your diabetes needs more attention, ask your PCP to refer you to an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist).
Endocrinologist:
These physicians have specialized training in hormone related diseases, such as diabetes. Many endocrinologists care for people with diabetes. Look for an endocrinologist who works with a diabetes self-management education program. That way your diabetes specialist and diabetes educators will work together.
Diabetes Educators:
Diabetes educators are most often nurses, dietitians and pharmacists who have specialized training and expertise in diabetes. They provide knowledge, skills, support and counseling as you work to manage your diabetes. Ask your PCP or endocrinologist to refer you to a diabetes educator or diabetes education program when you first find out you have diabetes. Locate diabetes education programs near you that are approved through the American Diabetes Association by calling 800-DIABETES. To locate a diabetes educator through the American Association of Diabetes Educators, call 800-TEAMUP4. You can also access their Web sites to get the information you need.
Other Members to Add:
Exercise physiologists, physical therapists, personal trainers and other health professionals trained in exercise science can help you design a safe and effective activity plan.
Counselor:
Dealing with the diagnosis and ongoing effort to manage diabetes can be difficult. Some people find that working on occasion or on an ongoing basis with a counselor who has skills to help people with diabetes manage their feelings can be beneficial. A counselor may be a psychologist, social worker or behavioral counselor.
Optometrist:
People with diabetes should have an annual dilated retinal eye exam. Podiatrist (foot doctor): Your PCP, endocrinologist or diabetes educator should help you assess when and if you need a podiatrist. To find the best providers for your team, ask around. Talk to other people with diabetes. Usually people who are working hard to keep their diabetes in control know the good health care providers in the area.
