If you or your child has diabetes, the best way to stay healthy is to have the support of a good healthcare team. It's like a cricket team. It's easier to win the game when everyone is on board. You're not alone on this journey, and there are experts there to help you. Let's take a look at who all the people on your "Diabetes Care Team" should be.
Your Diabetes Care Team
Each member of this team plays an important role in your health. Let's take a look at who they are and how they can help you.
| Team member | How to help you |
|---|---|
| You (The Patient) | You are the most important member of this team! Only you know what you are feeling and what your body is feeling. It is essential to be honest with your medical team about your condition and to provide information about your blood sugar levels at home. |
| Your family doctor (Primary Doctor) | This is the doctor you see for a routine illness or an annual checkup. He also has a lot of experience with diabetes. If your child has diabetes, the pediatrician will take over this role. He is often the team leader. |
| Endocrinologist | This is a doctor who has received special training in hormone-related diseases like diabetes. His help is essential to properly control your diabetes and determine the types and dosages of medications. |
| Dietitian | Diet is a very important factor in managing diabetes. A nutritionist will help you create a diet plan that is right for you, based on your weight, lifestyle, and medications. They will also teach you the right amount of food to eat, and how to choose fruits and vegetables. |
| Diabetes Education Nurse (Nurse Educator) | This is a nurse who has received special training in diabetes. She is the one who helps people with the everyday problems they face when living with diabetes (e.g. how to inject insulin, how to measure their blood sugar levels). |
| Eye Doctor | Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and lead to vision loss. Therefore, you should have your eyes checked at least once a year . For this, you can see an eye surgeon (Ophthalmologist) or an eye health doctor (Optometrist). |
| Podiatrist | Diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet. This can cause numbness and loss of sensation in the legs. Even a small wound can lead to a major infection. Therefore, it is very important to take special care of your feet. |
| Dentist | People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease. So see a dentist every 6 months for a check-up. Don't forget to tell your dentist that you have diabetes. |
| Exercise Trainer | Exercise is essential for managing diabetes. Talk to your doctor and get help from a trainer to develop a safe and appropriate exercise plan for you. |
| Mental Health Professional | It's normal to feel stressed and anxious when living with a chronic illness like diabetes. At times like these, it's important to talk to someone like a psychologist to help you feel better. |
Remember, regularly checking your blood sugar levels can help your doctor understand how effective your treatment is and can help prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
How often should I see the doctor?
Okay, now you're probably wondering how often you need to go for these checkups.
- If you use insulin injections , you should usually see your doctor at least once every 3-4 months .
- If you are taking pills or controlling your diabetes through diet alone , seeing your doctor every 4-6 months is sufficient.
However, if you are having difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels, or if you feel like you are developing other complications from diabetes, you may need to see a doctor sooner.
What are the things you really want to tell the doctor?
Every time you go to see your doctor, you want to give him a clear picture of how well your diabetes is being controlled. So be sure to mention these things.
- Home blood sugar level report: If you are checking your blood sugar at home, write down the readings in a book and take them with you.
- Symptoms of low/high blood sugar: Tell us if you have recently had symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). (e.g., excessive sweating, shakiness, excessive thirst , frequent urination)
- Lifestyle changes: Tell us about any changes you have made to your diet, exercise, or medications.
- New illnesses: If you have recently had another illness (e.g. cold, flu), let us know about that as well.
Be especially careful about these symptoms!
If you have any of the following symptoms, it could mean that diabetes is affecting your eyes, nerves, kidneys, or heart. If you have any of these, tell your doctor right away.
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the legs
- Persistent swelling of the hands, feet, face, or legs
- Leg pain or muscle twitching
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Abnormal weight gain
What lab tests do I need to have?
As a person with diabetes, it is very important to have these lab tests regularly to monitor your health.
- Hemoglobin A1c: This measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It's like a 'report card' of your diabetes management.
- Urine and blood tests for kidney function: These are important because diabetes can damage the kidneys.
- Lipid profile: This tests your cholesterol, triglycerides, and good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
Your doctor may also order tests to check your thyroid and liver function.
Take-Home Message
- Diabetes management is a team sport, and you are the most important member.
- Diabetes can be best managed by seeking the support of a team including your family doctor, hormone specialist, nutritionist, and ophthalmologist.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly and take those records with you when you visit your doctor.
- Report any unusual symptoms you experience to your doctor immediately (especially blurred vision, numbness in the feet, swelling).
- Complications of diabetes can be prevented by undergoing timely medical examinations and lab tests.
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