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Building your diabetes dream team
Managing diabetes isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Enlist these pros to ensure you get the care and support you need.
When it comes to managing diabetes, it’s important to know you’ve got strong support behind you. Having the right group of diabetes specialists and experts in your corner can help you manage your diabetes.
They’ll work with you (and with each other) to create a care plan that best meets your specific needs. Here’s who to include on your diabetes dream team.
Primary care provider
Your diabetes diagnosis probably came from your primary care provider (PCP). They’ll likely be your first line of diabetes care too. Along with seeing you for regular visits, your PCP can:
- Perform lab tests
- Prescribe medications
- Teach you how, and when, to check your blood sugar on your own
- Discuss lifestyle changes that will help you manage your diabetes
Your PCP can also refer you to specialists and other diabetes care professionals who can help monitor and treat your condition. Scheduling an in-home health visit is also an easy way to stay on top of your diabetes care. Learn more about the benefits of these convenient health care appointments here.
Certified diabetes care and education specialist
Diabetes requires a lot of self-management. A diabetes educator can help you master the skills you need to successfully manage it on your own. Diabetes educators are health care professionals — often nurses or dietitians who have undergone additional training.
They can help you with everything from learning how to test your blood sugar and injecting insulin to planning healthy meals. And they can coach you on how to manage your diabetes in a way that fits your day-to-day lifestyle.
Registered dietitian
What you eat has a big impact on your blood sugar levels. Making dietary changes will be an important part of your management plan. A dietitian can help.
Dietitians are nutrition experts who are well-versed in the dietary dos and don’ts of managing diabetes. They’ll take a look at your current eating habits and help you set goals to make positive changes. Many dietitians are also diabetes educators, so you may be able to find a two-for-one provider.
If you’ve scheduled an in-home health visit, you can also review your diet and heating habits with the clinician who comes to your home. They will answer your questions about healthy food choices and send a report about your eating habits to your primary care provider.
Pharmacist
Your neighborhood pharmacist can do more than just fill your prescription. They can be a valuable resource for:
- Explaining what your medications do — and how to take them
- Getting information about allergies, drug side effects, and dosage
- Learning ways to save money on medications, such as getting a generic version
The next time you pick up a prescription, get to know the pharmacist. And don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have.
Ophthalmologist or optometrist
These eye doctors should be on your roster to visit at least once a year to check your eyes — and your vision. That’s because high blood sugar can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your eyes, putting you at risk of certain eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness.
An annual eye exam is key to catching this damage early, when it can be easily treated. Your eye doctor can also check for other conditions that affect vision like glaucoma and cataracts.
Dentist
If you have diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of gum disease. This includes both gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Getting regular dental cleanings and exams are more important than ever. Let your dentist know that you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes — and be sure they know how to contact your PCP for post-care follow up.
Endocrinologist
This type of doctor specializes in treating diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes. (It’s the endocrine system that’s responsible for secreting hormones like insulin.) Not everyone with diabetes will need to see one. Your PCP may refer to one if your case requires special care or if you develop complications.
An endocrinologist can be an important team player if:
- You’re on multiple medications
- You use an insulin pump
- You’re having difficulty managing the disease
Endocrinologists often work closely with other members of your diabetes care team.
Podiatrist
Otherwise known as a foot doctor, podiatrists treat problems concerning the feet and lower part of the legs. Since diabetes puts you at risk of nerve damage, circulation issues, and foot infections, you may need to see a podiatrist at some point.
Your primary care doctor should examine your feet during each checkup, and they can teach you how to check your feet daily on your own too. They may refer you to a podiatrist for a more thorough exam, or if they notice signs of nerve damage.
An in-home health visit with a clinician includes a foot health assessment — and a full report will be sent to you and your primary care provider. Call 877-302-3672 to schedule or book online.
Mental health professional
Dealing with diabetes can take a toll on your overall mental wellbeing. You may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and emotionally drained at times.
Seeing a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker can help you deal with the daily challenges of living with diabetes. These pros can also help you tackle more serious emotional issues.
Fitness professional
Physical activity lowers blood sugar levels, improves circulation, and helps you lose or maintain weight. It's important to include movement as part of your diabetes care plan.
Adding a fitness specialist, such as an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, or physical therapist, can help you learn how to do exercises that are safe and fun. They can also help ensure that you get the greatest benefits from your exercise program.
Make sure the fitness professional you recruit is well-versed in diabetes and the medicine you’re taking, advises the American Diabetes Association. Certain medications can put you at risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while exercising. If you’re new to exercise or if you have certain diabetes complications, you may need to modify some exercises to stay safe and avoid injury.
Talk to your PCP, diabetes educator, or dietitian about whether you should consult with a fitness professional. They may be able to recommend someone or refer you to a fitness program tailored to people with diabetes. (The clinicians who do in-home health visits may also be able to put you in touch with fitness resources in your area.)
Having the right team of diabetes experts in place — and on speed dial — can help you to better manage your condition. The end result: you’ll be able to get the care you need so you can live a more vibrant, healthy life.
Sources:
Get to know your diabetes care team American Diabetes Association
Your diabetes care team Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Working with your diabetes health care team American Heart Association
Expanded roles in diabetes care: How a registered dietitian can help Today’s Dietitian
Expanded roles in diabetes care Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Eye complications: How diabetes affects your eyes and vision American Diabetes Association
Diabetes and oral health American Diabetes Association
How to build the perfect diabetes care team The Diabetes Council
Blood glucose and exercise American Diabetes Association
Benefits of exercise National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus
Exercising with diabetes complications American Diabetes Association
