The best way to managing diabetes is to have an entire team of medical professionals that support you. This is often referred to as your “diabetes team.” These health care professionals will work together to develop a treatment plan for your needs.
They can also help you cope with the feelings and emotions people with diabetes often experience.
The most important person on that team is you! You’re the one who makes choices on foods you eat, how and when you exercise, when you test blood sugar, and how you take your prescribed medicines. Of course, your team will depend on you to let them know how you’re feeling. And along the way you’ll work with a variety of health care providers who make up your diabetes team.
Here’s a closer look at what a diabetes team generally looks like, although every team may vary based upon your unique needs.
Primary Care Provider/General Practitioner
Your primary care provider (PCP), often called a general practitioner (GP) or family doctor, is the physician in charge of your overall treatment. Along with the doctor’s staff, your PCP will focus on your overall health and your diabetes. They’ll also give you important information on diabetes and treating it. Your PCP may also refer you to other health care providers who specialize in treating diabetes or some of its effects.
Great questions to ask your PCP/GP include:
- What is my blood sugar number and what is my A1C? What should my target be?
- Am I overweight? How much weight do I need to lose, and do you have recommendations on how I can do that?
- What kinds of food should I eat, and which ones do I need to avoid?
- Are there other medicines I can take to help manage diabetes?
Additional Physicians
Beyond your primary care provider, you may be referred to additional doctors. These doctors often specialize in treating certain aspects of diabetes or its complications.
- Endocrinologist – These doctors specialize in endocrine system diseases such as diabetes.
- Podiatrist – Often just called a foot doctor, a podiatrist offers treatment for lower leg and foot issues, which are more common in people who have diabetes.
- Dentist – Dentists take care of your teeth and gums, and you may be sent to one who specializes in treating the oral health needs of people with diabetes.
- Ophthalmologist – This doctor specializes in treating the eyes.
Diabetes Educators
Diabetes educators offer education on diabetes and how to self-manage diabetes. This helps persons with diabetes navigate activities and decisions that support their diabetes treatment plan. These educators offer education on how to add healthy eating and exercise into their life. They can also offer information on how medicines work or provide insight on how to better monitor blood sugar. They may also work to help individuals create their own self-management plan tailored to their schedule, family demands, age, health issues, and daily activities.
A few questions you may want to ask a diabetes educator include:
- How should I interpret my blood sugar results?
- When do I need to call my physician about my blood sugar?
- What should I know about eating healthy for diabetes?
- How will my diabetes medicines affect other types of drugs I take?
- What kind of physical activity will help me reach my goals?
Dietitian
A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition. Having a good dietitian as part of your diabetes team can help you learn more about eating the right diet to help manage diabetes. Most people see a registered dietitian right after diagnosis and then have regular reviews with them.
Great questions to ask when meeting with your dietitian include:
- How does what I eat affect my blood sugar?
- Can I eat foods that have sugar in them?
- What is the best way to eat while keeping my blood sugar at a healthy level?
- How much of every type of food should I eat daily?
- If I feel sick, what should I eat?
Pharmacist
Most people forget that their pharmacist is also a valuable resource and an essential part of their diabetes team. Your pharmacist provides information about the medicines you take to manage diabetes and for other conditions.
A few tips for building a great relationship with a pharmacist include:
- Fill prescriptions at the same pharmacy, even if you have multiple doctors. That way your medicine records are in one place. That allows your pharmacist to let you know about any possible drug interactions.
- Make sure your pharmacist and your doctor know if you have any allergies to foods, medicines, or other things.
- Before taking supplements or over-the-counter medicines, talk to your pharmacist.
Mental Health Professional
Mental health professionals, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help you learn to live with the challenges of living with diabetes daily. They can also help you with other emotional issues you may have. Ask your physician to refer you to a mental health professional who understands diabetes, as well as the diabetes medicines you’re taking. Remember, supporting your mental health proves just as important as other aspects of managing diabetes.
Sources
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/diabetes-team.html
https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/your-health-care-team
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/prevention--treatment-of-diabetes/work-with-your-health-care-team
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/interactions-with-healthcare-professionals
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-doctors
The mySugr website does not provide medical or legal advice. mySugr blog articles are not scientific articles, but intended for informational purposes only.
Medical or nutritional information on the mySugr website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
