Managing Your Diabetes
Your Health Services Team
Your diabetes healthcare team is a vital part of managing diabetes. Diabetes is a complex disease and may require the help of many people: family, friends and several healthcare professionals knowledgeable about the different aspects of diabetes to guide you along the way.
While you manage your diabetes day by day, there will be times when you will need help from the rest of your healthcare team. This includes your doctor, diabetes educator, dietician, endocrinologist, podiatrist, optometrist/ophthalmologist, counsellor, or exercise specialist.
Doctor (GP). Most families have a doctor that they go to for routine visits. Though some doctors may feel comfortable treating your diabetes, it may be necessary to also see an endocrinologist on a regular basis.
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in diabetes and its management. Discuss referral to an endocrinologist with your GP. If you have diabetes and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to see an endocrinologist.
Diabetes Educator. A certified diabetes educator has specialized training to help you learn about diabetes and the care and maintenance of your condition. These professionals are invaluable for their knowledge in glucose monitoring, lifestyle adjustments and insulin therapy.
Accredited Practicing Dieticians can help you to make positive changes to the food you eat. Every person diagnosed with diabetes should have access to an Accredited Practising Dietician (APD) for individualised, practical advice on nutrition in the form of a sample menu plan, recipe ideas, eating out suggestions and special occasion foods.
Eye Specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) will check the blood vessels at the back of your eyes. You will need a referral from your doctor for an ophthalmologist.
A Podiatrist will check the blood flow, nerve function and overall condition of your feet and treats foot conditions, such as ulcers, nail problems, and prescribes orthotic devices for foot deformities. Podiatrists are available at hospitals, community health services and in private practice.
Your Pharmacist can help you choose supplies and answer any questions about medications that may cause a rise in your glucose levels.
An Exercise Physiologist or physiotherapist will assess your ability to exercise and help you to make positive changes in your activity patterns.
Mental Health Professional. There may be times when you or your family needs a little extra help coping or solving particular problems that may arise. A mental health professional familiar with diabetes can provide guidance and help bring perspective to your situation.
Reference:
Diabetes Australia, Your healthcare team, http://www.diabetesvic.org.au/living-with-diabetes. Accessed June, 2011
While you manage your diabetes day by day, there will be times when you will need help from the rest of your healthcare team. This includes your doctor, diabetes educator, dietician, endocrinologist, podiatrist, optometrist/ophthalmologist, counsellor, or exercise specialist.
Doctor (GP). Most families have a doctor that they go to for routine visits. Though some doctors may feel comfortable treating your diabetes, it may be necessary to also see an endocrinologist on a regular basis.
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in diabetes and its management. Discuss referral to an endocrinologist with your GP. If you have diabetes and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to see an endocrinologist.
Diabetes Educator. A certified diabetes educator has specialized training to help you learn about diabetes and the care and maintenance of your condition. These professionals are invaluable for their knowledge in glucose monitoring, lifestyle adjustments and insulin therapy.
Accredited Practicing Dieticians can help you to make positive changes to the food you eat. Every person diagnosed with diabetes should have access to an Accredited Practising Dietician (APD) for individualised, practical advice on nutrition in the form of a sample menu plan, recipe ideas, eating out suggestions and special occasion foods.
Eye Specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) will check the blood vessels at the back of your eyes. You will need a referral from your doctor for an ophthalmologist.
A Podiatrist will check the blood flow, nerve function and overall condition of your feet and treats foot conditions, such as ulcers, nail problems, and prescribes orthotic devices for foot deformities. Podiatrists are available at hospitals, community health services and in private practice.
Your Pharmacist can help you choose supplies and answer any questions about medications that may cause a rise in your glucose levels.
An Exercise Physiologist or physiotherapist will assess your ability to exercise and help you to make positive changes in your activity patterns.
Mental Health Professional. There may be times when you or your family needs a little extra help coping or solving particular problems that may arise. A mental health professional familiar with diabetes can provide guidance and help bring perspective to your situation.
Reference:
Diabetes Australia, Your healthcare team, http://www.diabetesvic.org.au/living-with-diabetes. Accessed June, 2011
