Who are the members of the healthcare team?
The health care team can help manage your diabetes and maintain good health. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says the diabetes health care team should include the following members.
Patients
This is the most important member of the diabetes health care team! Only the patient knows how he or she feels. The diabetes care team will depend on the patient. Talk honestly with your doctor and provide relevant information about your body.
Monitoring blood glucose can tell your doctor if your current treatment is managing your diabetes well. By measuring blood glucose levels, it may also prevent or reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
The general practitioner
A general practitioner is a doctor that patients go to when they have a full body checkup and when they are sick.
Endocrinologists
An endocrinologist is a doctor who has special training and experience in treating diabetes. You should see an endocrinologist regularly.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists are trained in the field of nutrition. Food is a key part of diabetes treatment, so a dietitian will help determine food needs based on weight, lifestyle, medications, and other health goals, such as lowering blood lipid levels or blood pressure.
Diabetes educator
Diabetes educators are people who have special training and backgrounds in caring for and educating people with diabetes, often helping patients in all aspects of daily life with diabetes.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist (a doctor who can treat eye problems with medications and surgery) should check the eyes at least once a year. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels in the eye, and this can lead to blindness.
Podiatrists
Foot care is important for anyone with diabetes because diabetes can cause nerve damage in the extremities. Podiatrists are trained to treat problems in the feet and lower legs.
Dentist
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease, and earlier. Excess blood sugar in the mouth makes the mouth a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infections. You should see your dentist every 6 months. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
Exercise coaching
Exercise should play an important role in managing diabetes, regardless of the type of diabetes you have. A fitness trainer who works with your doctor to develop a fitness program is someone who has been trained in the scientific basis of exercise and safe conditioning methods.
How often should I go to the doctor?
People with diabetes who use insulin injections usually see their doctor at least once every 3 to 4 months. Patients who take medications or control their diabetes with diet alone should be seen at least every 4 to 6 months.
If blood sugar is not controlled or complications are getting worse, then more frequent visits to the doctor may be needed.
What does your doctor need to know?
In general, your doctor wants to know how well your diabetes is controlled and whether complications from diabetes are starting to appear or getting worse. So, at each visit, give your doctor your home glucose monitoring record and tell him about any symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Let your doctor know, too, about any changes in diet, exercise, or medication, and any new diseases you may have. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of eye, nerve, kidney, or cardiovascular problems, for example:
- Blurred vision;
- Numbness or tingling in both feet;
- Persistent swelling of 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 laboratory tests should be done?
When having diabetes, the following lab tests should be done regularly:
- glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c);
- Urinal tests to detect kidney function and blood tests;
- Lipid tests, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Thyroid tests and liver tests may also be needed.