So who is involved in diabetes care?

Diabetes affects every part of the body and there is no one provider who is skilled in offering resources to address all of those areas. Although it may feel daunting to have several professionals, it’s important to note that each of these providers offers a specific resource tailored to increasing the likelihood of overall success in managing diabetes.

Therefore, you should do the best to utilize the resources at your disposal, which includes time away from your normal schedule, money, and the ability to get to appointments via public transportation, your own car or virtually over your personal computer. With that in mind, here are the 10 people you need on your diabetes care team:

1. Primary care physician (PCP)

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, the primary care physician is the general health coordinator. This is the professional you’ll see for checkups, routine care, as well as concerns that are not linked to diabetes. That means they may recommend that you see other specialist for specific issues, follow up to understand what treatment plans you’ve been offered, and facilitate adherence to your care plan. They also keep an up-to-date list of all supplements and medications you are taking.

2. Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist helps you with blood glucose management as well as other diseases related to the endocrine system. In addition to treating diabetes this doctor will also assess the need for blood-sugar-lowering medications and determine the best medications and right dose for you. Because diabetes is a life-long disease, your endocrinologist may have a close and long relationship with you.

3. Dietitian nutritionist

An understanding of nutrition is a critical part of managing most health conditions, including diabetes. Building a diabetes-friendly diet involves knowing what you should eat and avoid while keeping your blood sugar level in check. A dietitian nutritionist will help with this and help you meet other goals such as improved blood pressure, weight loss, and improved cholesterol. Moreover, they can provide assistance in trying diet plans such as intermittent fasting or the ketogenic diet in a safe way.

4. Pharmacist

This professional will help you understand your prescribed medications, how they work, and medication interactions. This is particularly important if you are taking several medications prescribed by different doctors. Pharmacists play an important role in type 2 diabetes care and can help reduce the number of low and high blood sugar episodes which benefits your health and helps you save money on your care.

5. Diabetes care and education specialist

This healthcare professional helps you create a healthy lifestyle as well as put the diabetes management plan into practice. A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist usually spends more time with the diabetes patient compared to a Primary Care Physician.

This allows for specialized care so that patients can success in attaining their goals. Some Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are also trained behavioral psychology, which offers additional benefits for patients.

Such professionals act as accountability partners who can address various barriers, including adhering to medications and sticking with treatment. These are experts who understand their patients without judging them.

6. Ophthalmologist

This is an eye specialist who will help prevent eye diseases that are commonly caused by diabetes. An ophthalmologist will help you improve or maintain healthy vision by monitoring you for complications caused by uncontrolled or elevated blood glucose levels, including diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

7. Podiatrist

This healthcare expert specializes in treating foot-related diabetes complications, and helps patients watch for and care for any complications in the lower extremities. Studies conducted by the American Podiatric association show that diabetes complications account for about 100,000 lower limb amputations annually. Scheduling regular appointments with a podiatrist to treat and monitor foot problems can decrease the risk of lower limb amputation by up to 85 percent.

8. Dentist

Taking care of gums and teeth is important for everyone. However, monitoring gum health is particularly vital for people with diabetes because gum (periodontal) disease is a common complication of diabetes. Moreover, treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood glucose control.

9. Your inner circle

Letting your close friends and family know what is going on and how they can help you goes a long way in supporting good habits as well as relieving the burden of the diagnosis. By offering positive support, your loved ones can help reduce the stress that comes with managing diabetes. In other words, your inner circle lets you know and feel that you are not alone.

10. Support groups

Support groups connect you with other PWDs (people with diabetes) who understand the challenges and struggles and can offer strategies and tips for a healthy life.

Most support groups are virtual right now and they typically feature helpful forums for people with diabetes as well as their caregivers.