Creating a team of different healthcare providers can be beneficial for managing every aspect of your health and diabetes.
Assemble the Right Experts for Your Diabetes Care.
These health providers can include:
- Primary care provider: A healthcare provider who can oversee your entire health and well-being along with your diabetes
- Endocrinologist: A healthcare provider who will provide specialized diabetic care
- Ophthalmologist/optometrist: A healthcare provider who can diagnose and treat eye disorders.
- Podiatrist: A healthcare provider who can treat feet and lower leg problems such as nerve damage and ulcers.
- Pharmacist: a healthcare professional who dispenses medications, advises patients on their use and works with other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the best care.
- Dentist: A healthcare provider who can monitor your oral health, which impacts your overall health.
- Registered nurse: Nurses who can help coordinate your medical care.
- Registered dietitian: A healthcare professional who can help you determine what to eat and drink to manage your diabetes.
- Certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES): helps people with diabetes manage their condition. They educate, support, and advocate for people with diabetes.
- Mental health professional: Healthcare providers and therapists who can help you deal with the challenges of day-to-day life with diabetes and any emotions that come along with this.
- Fitness professional: A physical therapist, physiologist, or personal trainer who can help you stay active.
- Family and friends: To support you in all areas of your life.
My health care team includes all of the above specialists except an endocrinologist, registered nurse, certified diabetic care specialist, and dietitian.
Choose your healthcare team wisely. It’s important to understand your body and diabetes to manage it properly. You are the most significant member of your diabetes care team. Do not hesitate to take charge.
Love, tolerance, and peace,
Harriette and Ronda
