Your Diabetes Management Team 

Today in the United States, nearly 24 million children and adults have diabetes.  Unfortunately, close to 6 million of those have the disease and do not know it.  While the statistics are staggering, diabetes is a condition that can be controlled successfully with guidance from a team of medical specialists.  Diabetes affects the body from head to toe.  Therefore, the following “team players” are essential in making sure that you are always in control of your diabetes:

Primary Care Physician

The best way to describe the role of a family physician or internist is that of a coordinator.  They are often the first doctor one sees after a diabetes diagnosis.  They make referrals to other specialists on the treatment team.  This doctor should have a good relationship and open communication with the other team physicians. When choosing a primary care doctor, be sure they have experience in managing diabetes and its symptoms.  Sometimes a specialist that focuses their practice on diseases such as diabetes will be your primary physician. These specialists are known as endocrinologists.  A nurse educator may also assist with your needs on the primary care level.  

Podiatric Physician

Also known as a podiatrist or foot doctor, a podiatric physician specializes in the treatment of the foot and ankle.  Diabetes can limit or restrict nerve function, as well as blood flow to the feet.  Because of this, patients with diabetes can develop foot complications.  If you have diabetes, it’s important to have a podiatrist check your feet at least twice a year for symptoms, such as a loss of sensation, burning or tingling.  These symptoms can be a sign of neuropathy – a term used to describe a loss of nerve function.  The doctor will also look for small cuts and scrapes that can take a long time to heal, and for ulcers that appear due to circulation problems.  If left untreated, these conditions can lead to amputations.  In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the world!  To find a podiatric physician in your area, visit www.apma.org .  

Dentist

A dentist is a physician that specializes in care of the teeth and gums.  Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease.  Excess blood sugar in the mouth can help foster the growth of bacteria, which may lead to an infection.  Be sure to see your dentist every six months, and make sure you tell them if you have diabetes. 

Ophthalmologist/Optometrist

Similar to how diabetes restricts blood flow to the feet, diabetes can also affect blood flow to the eyes and result in diabetic eye disease.  This condition is highly preventable if the disease is managed properly.  You should visit your eye doctor for an eye exam once a year.  During the exam, a doctor will check for any changes in your eyes and treat the problem, or refer you to a doctor with special training in that area.  Before you schedule an eye appointment, ask if your eye doctor is trained on how to spot and treat diabetic eye disease.

 Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist

Maintaining a healthy weight and making wise food choices is essential to managing diabetes.  A registered dietician is trained in nutrition and can help make diet recommendations based on one’s weight, lifestyle, medications and other health goals.  Be sure to work with a dietician who has training and experience with diabetes.

 And most importantly…YOU 

No one on your diabetes management team is more important, or has more of an impact on your care, than you.  By following your doctors’ recommendations and asking important questions about your care, you will fully understand what it takes to treat and control diabetes.  A positive attitude and a willingness to follow diet, exercise and medication plans are the most vital tools you have in the treatment of your disease.

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