A healthcare team assists patients in managing their diabetes and staying healthy. According to the American Diabetes Association recommendations, the diabetes treatment team should include the following members:
The patient themselves
The patient himself or herself is the most critical member of the diabetes care team because only the patient knows best how he or she feels. The diabetes care team needs the patient to be truthful about his or her health status.
By monitoring the patient’s blood glucose, the physician can see if the current treatment plan is effective enough to control the patient’s condition. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the risk of a hypoglycemic episode can also be prevented or reduced.
Supervising physician
A competent physician is the physician who should be contacted for a complete physical examination and if the patient feels unwell. The primary care physician is usually an internist or family physician with experience in the management of diabetes.
Because the supervising physician is the patient’s primary care provider, he or she will be responsible for leading the entire diabetes care team.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist is a physician with specialized training and experience in the management of diabetes, and patients should visit their endocrinologist regularly.
Nutritionist
Registered dietitians are trained in nutrition. Food is a key part of the diabetes care process, so the dietitian will determine food needs based on the patient’s weight, lifestyle, medications, and other health goals, such as lowering lipid or blood pressure levels.
Nurse educator
A diabetes educator or diabetes care practitioner is a registered nurse who has specialized training and a background in caring for and instructing people with diabetes. Nurse educators usually give patients some assistance with daily living.
Ophthalmologist
Vision should be checked at least once a year by an ophthalmologist (a doctor who can treat eye problems with medications or surgical methods) or optometrist (someone trained to check for specific eye problems, not a doctor). Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eye, which in turn can lead to impaired vision.
Podiatrists
Foot care is important for people with diabetes who may have nerve damage in their limbs. A podiatrist is a doctor who is trained to treat foot and lower leg disorders.
Dentist
People with diabetes are at greater risk for gum disease and may develop the disease at an earlier age. High blood sugar levels in the mouth make it easy for bacteria to multiply and lead to infection. Patients should see their dentist every 6 months and should clearly inform the dentist that they have diabetes.
Exercise trainer
Regardless of the type of diabetes a patient has, exercise will help alleviate the condition. Someone trained in the fundamentals of exercise science and safe training methods is the best person to work with the physician to develop a fitness program for the patient.
How often should I see my doctor?
People with diabetes who take insulin should see their doctor at least every 3-4 months. People with diabetes who take medication or control their diet only should see their doctor at least every 4-6 months.
Patients should see their doctor more frequently if they are experiencing uncontrolled blood glucose or worsening complications.
What information does the doctor need to know?
Usually, the doctor needs to know how well the patient is controlling their diabetes and whether the complications are starting or getting worse. So, at each visit, show your doctor your home glucose monitoring record and tell him or her about symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
In addition, inform your doctor about diet, exercise, medications, or any new onset of disease. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following eye, nerve, kidney, or cardiovascular symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Persistent swelling in the hands, feet, face, or legs
- Cramps or pain in the legs
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Abnormal weight gain
What tests should I get?
Patients with diabetes should be routinely tested for:
- Glycosylated hemoglobin
- Urinal tests and blood tests for kidney function
- Lipid testing (including cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL)
- Patients may also need to have thyroid and liver function tests.