Diabetes Health Professionals
Topic Overview
Diabetes is a complex, chronic disease that affects many body systems and requires treatment for the rest of your life. Because diabetes affects so many parts of your body, it has the potential to involve many medical specialists.
You have a lot to learn about both your disease and how best to manage it. But you do not have to go through this process alone. Health professionals can help you make good choices about your diabetes treatment. Working with a team, you can make the lifestyle changes that allow you greater control over the disease and how it develops over time.
The following table provides information about the health professionals who may be involved in your care. You need to see some of these professionals regularly. Others you may see only occasionally or if you develop complications.
Professional | What is their role? | When would you see them? |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse educator | Educates people and helps them take control Often coordinates treatment | After diagnosis, to learn about diabetes and the daily treatment (for example, how to give an insulin injection) As needed, when daily treatment needs adjusting |
Primary care physician:
Other health professionals that may serve as primary care coordinators:
| May serve as diabetes care coordinator and is responsible for the day-to-day medical management of diabetes Nurse practitioners or physician assistants may also serve as care coordinators. | Regular visits (2 to 4 times a year) |
Endocrinologist or pediatric endocrinologist | Specialty medical care (may coordinate care as well) | Sometimes regular visits, or as treatment problems come up |
Other specialists
| Provide specialty care for specific problems Ophthalmologists and podiatrists provide preventive eye and foot care, which helps prevent those specific complications. | For evaluation, or when a problem develops. |
| Registered dietitian | Educates people and helps them set up and follow their daily meal plan | Whenever diet and self-management need explaining |
| Exercise physiologist | Educates people and helps them develop an appropriate exercise program for their fitness level | Initial visit and periodic consultations as needed |
Mental health professionals
| Helps people manage stress and cope with emotional problems, such as depression, that may develop | Regularly (perhaps weekly), for as long as psychological symptoms go on |
At a minimum, you need to see a doctor, a nurse educator, and a dietitian. At health care facilities that specialize in treating diabetes, you may have a team of all the above professionals and also a pharmacist to help you.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism |
| Last Revised | September 26, 2012 |
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 26, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism | |
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