Did your head spin when your doctor told you that you have Type 2 Diabetes? There's a lot to learn all at once, right? What to eat, what medications to take, how to exercise, how to check your blood sugar levels... It might seem like it's not easy to manage all of this on your own. But don't worry. You don't have to go through this journey alone. The best solution is to have a good 'healthcare team' who can help you. Let's see how to do it exactly.
Why do we need a so-called 'health team'?
Simply put, diabetes is not just a disease that gets better in a few days like a cold. It is a lifelong condition that needs to be managed properly. It is not enough to focus on one aspect only.
Think about it, diabetes is like a cricket match. One player alone cannot win the match, right? A good captain, bowlers, batsmen, fielders... all of these can only be won when they come together. Managing diabetes is the same. The doctor, the nurses, the dieticians and the most important person, that is you , all of these need to work together. This is what we call a 'health team'.
The importance of finding a doctor who understands you
The most important person on your team is your doctor. But not just any doctor, but someone who can understand you well, and you can understand what he or she is saying . It is very important to find someone like that.
What does 'understand you' mean?
- Clear communication: He explains the illness, the medication, and what needs to be done to you in simple Sinhala that you can understand, without using big words.
- Listening to you: He listens carefully to what you have to say, your questions, and your fears. You should feel free to ask anything without thinking, "This is a stupid question."
- Respecting your lifestyle: Our eating habits, the way we live, and our beliefs are different. A good doctor will understand your lifestyle and advise you accordingly. For example, a doctor who knows that rice is our staple food will not tell you to stop eating rice completely, but will advise you on how to control it.
You can talk about anything without fear, and finding a doctor who trusts you is like winning half the battle to control diabetes.
Who should be on this team?
Okay, now let's see who are the essential members you should add to your diabetes care team and what help they can give you.
| Team Member | What is their role? (What is their role?) |
|---|---|
| Your regular doctor (Primary Care Provider / GP) | He/She is usually the one who first diagnoses diabetes. He/She is the one who primarily explains annual checkups, blood tests, medication prescriptions, and treatment plans. |
| Endocrinologist (doctor who specializes in hormones and diabetes) | A doctor who specializes in diabetes and diseases related to the hormonal system. Your doctor may refer you to one if you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar or if you have other complications. |
| Registered Nurse | They are a very valuable source of information for you. They can give you daily advice on how to give your medication, how to inject insulin, how to check your blood sugar, how to take care of your feet. You can even ask them things that you wouldn't be able to ask a doctor. |
| Dietitian | Diet control is very important in diabetes. A dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is right for your body, including what's good to eat, what's bad to eat, and how much to eat. |
| Physiotherapist | Exercise is another key to managing diabetes. A physical therapist can teach you which exercises are right for you, and how to do them properly. |
Your family doctor (Your Primary Doctor)
This is the most important member of your team. When you feel sick, you go to him for an annual check-up. In the case of diabetes, he is the one who regularly checks your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and kidney function, and formulates a treatment plan accordingly. You should see your doctor at least once a year for a complete check-up for diabetes.
A specialist doctor (Endocrinologist)
If your general practitioner thinks your diabetes is difficult to control, he or she will refer you to a specialist, an endocrinologist. These specialists have in-depth knowledge of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, they can help with more complex cases.
Nursing staff and others
Nurses are just as important as doctors. Sometimes you don't have enough time to talk to a doctor. At that time, you can ask a nurse for practical questions, such as how to use an insulin pen or how to use a home blood sugar monitor.
Also, if necessary, your doctor can refer you to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam or a podiatrist for advice on foot care. These are all members of your healthcare team.
How do you work well with this team?
It's not enough to just have a good team. You also need to work well with that team.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions: Before you go to see the doctor, write down your questions in a notebook. That way, you won't forget anything.
- Tell the truth: Tell the doctor the truth about whether you are taking your medication correctly, following a healthy diet, and exercising. If you lie, you may receive the wrong treatment.
- Keep your records: Keep a record of your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, etc. This will help your doctor understand your condition.
- Involve your family: Tell your family about this and get their help. They are your greatest strength.
Take-Home Message
- Managing type 2 diabetes is not something you do alone, it's a team effort .
- You can speak without fear, you will be understood.Choosing a doctor is very important.
- In addition to your doctor, your healthcare team may include various specialists, such as nurses and dietitians.
- Never hesitate to ask questions about your treatment, illness, or concerns.
- Never forget that you are the most important and most important member of this entire team. Your health is in your hands.
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