Managing diabetes effectively requires more than just your individual efforts—it takes a team of healthcare professionals working together with you at the center. Understanding the roles of different team members and how to collaborate with them can help you receive comprehensive care and achieve better health outcomes.
Essential Members of Your Care Team
A well-rounded diabetes care team typically includes several key professionals:
Primary Care Provider (PCP): Often the coordinator of your overall healthcare, your PCP may be a family physician, internist, or nurse practitioner. They:
- Provide routine care and regular check-ups
- Prescribe and adjust medications
- Make referrals to specialists when needed
- Help coordinate your overall diabetes management plan
Endocrinologist: A physician who specializes in hormone-related conditions, including diabetes. An endocrinologist may be particularly helpful if:
- You have type 1 diabetes
- Your diabetes is difficult to control
- You develop complications
- You need specialized treatments
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): These professionals (formerly called diabetes educators) specialize in teaching self-management skills. They can help with:
- Blood glucose monitoring techniques
- Medication management
- Insulin administration
- Problem-solving for high and low blood sugar
- Using diabetes technology like pumps and continuous glucose monitors
Registered Dietitian (RD): Nutrition experts who can:
- Create personalized meal plans that fit your preferences and lifestyle
- Teach carbohydrate counting and other meal planning approaches
- Help you understand how different foods affect your blood sugar
- Provide strategies for eating out, special occasions, and cultural considerations
Pharmacist: These medication experts can:
- Explain how your medications work and potential side effects
- Check for drug interactions
- Provide tips on timing medications with meals
- Help you find more affordable medication options
- Demonstrate how to use insulin pens, syringes, or other devices
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist: Eye specialists who perform comprehensive eye exams to:
- Screen for diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions
- Monitor changes in vision
- Provide early treatment for diabetes-related eye problems
Podiatrist: Foot specialists who:
- Perform comprehensive foot examinations
- Treat foot problems before they become serious
- Provide guidance on proper footwear
- Offer specialized care for existing foot complications
Mental Health Professional: Psychologists, therapists, or counselors who can help with:
- Coping with the emotional aspects of diabetes
- Managing diabetes distress or burnout
- Addressing depression or anxiety
- Developing behavioral strategies for diabetes self-care
Exercise Physiologist: These professionals can:
- Design safe, effective exercise programs tailored to your fitness level
- Help you understand how physical activity affects your blood sugar
- Recommend appropriate modifications if you have complications
Questions to Ask at Appointments
Making the most of your healthcare visits requires preparation. Consider asking these questions:
For Your Primary Care Provider or Endocrinologist:
- What are my target blood sugar ranges?
- How often should I check my blood sugar?
- Are my current medications working effectively?
- What are my A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals?
- How often should I see different specialists?
- What diabetes-related tests do I need and how often?
For Your Diabetes Educator:
- How can I better manage my blood sugar during [specific situation]?
- What should I do when my blood sugar is too high or too low?
- How can I fit diabetes care into my daily routine?
- What resources are available to help me learn more?
For Your Dietitian:
- How can I balance my food preferences with my diabetes management?
- What snacks are good choices for my situation?
- How can I eat healthfully on a budget?
- How should I handle special occasions or restaurant meals?
For Your Pharmacist:
- Are there any interactions between my medications?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there more affordable alternatives to my current medications?
- How should I store my insulin or other medications?
Making the Most of Doctor Visits
Effective communication with your healthcare team leads to better care:
Before Your Appointment:
- Prepare a list of questions, starting with your most important concerns
- Bring your blood glucose records or download data from your devices
- Make a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take
- Note any symptoms or problems you’ve experienced
- Consider bringing a family member or friend for support
During Your Appointment:
- Be honest about your challenges and successes
- Take notes or ask if you can record important instructions
- Request clarification if you don’t understand something
- Discuss any barriers to following your treatment plan
- Ask for written materials about your condition
After Your Appointment:
- Review your notes and any materials you received
- Fill new prescriptions promptly
- Schedule recommended follow-up appointments
- Implement agreed-upon changes to your care plan
- Contact your provider’s office if you have questions that weren’t addressed
Being an Active Participant in Your Care
Your role as the central member of your diabetes care team is crucial:
Self-Advocacy: Speak up about your needs, preferences, and concerns. You know your body and daily life better than anyone else.
Shared Decision-Making: Work with your healthcare providers to make treatment decisions that align with your goals and values.
Honest Communication: Be truthful about your self-care practices, challenges, and questions. Your team can only help with issues they know about.
Continuity of Care: Keep all team members informed about changes to your treatment plan or health status.
Education: Continuously learn about diabetes to become more confident in your self-management skills.
Feedback: Let your providers know what’s working well and what could be improved in your care.
Coordinating Your Team
With multiple healthcare professionals involved in your care, coordination becomes important:
Keep a Healthcare Journal: Document who you see, when, and key recommendations.
Request Communication: Ask your providers to share information with each other.
Use Patient Portals: Many healthcare systems offer online access to your records, test results, and secure messaging with providers.
Centralize Records: Keep copies of important test results and treatment plans.
Consider Care Management Services: Some insurance plans offer care coordination services for people with chronic conditions.
Next Steps
Preparing for your next healthcare appointment is an important step in becoming an active participant in your diabetes care. Take time today to:
- Review when your next scheduled appointments are
- Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss
- Gather your blood sugar records or other health information
- Think about what’s working well and what challenges you’re facing
By preparing thoughtful questions for your next appointment, you’ll help your healthcare team provide more personalized care and ensure your concerns are addressed.
Remember, the most successful diabetes management happens when you and your healthcare team work together as partners in your care.