Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Achieving Diabetes Wellness Together

The human body is a delicate and complex system, and diabetes can affect many parts of it. Managing diabetes is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach. A diabetes management team is a group of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care to people with diabetes. This can help you develop a diabetes management plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Your diabetes care team will help you gain the knowledge and decision-making skills needed for diabetes self-care. They will also help you stay healthy and prevent any diabetes-related complications.

A diabetes care team will help you stay healthy and prevent any diabetes-related complications.

In addition to an endocrinologist, a diabetes patient may need to consult with other specialists and physicians depending on their individual needs. Here are some examples:

– Podiatrist: A podiatrist can help manage foot problems that are common in people with diabetes, such as treat calluses, foot ulcers, and toenails to prevent infections and amputations.

– Dietitian or nutritionist: A dietitian or nutritionist can help develop a healthy eating plan that is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and preferences.

– Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist can help detect and treat diabetic eye disease, which is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

– Nephrologist: A nephrologist can help manage kidney problems that are common in people with uncontrolled diabetes.

– Cardiologist: A cardiologist can help manage heart problems that are common in people with diabetes.

– Neurologist: A neurologist can help manage nerve problems that are common in people with diabetes.

Not everyone will need all these specialists.  Good diabetes control can prevent many complications from diabetes.  Dr. Rodríguez recommends all patients with diabetes to have an ophthalmologist, and most will also need a podiatrist.  All other specialists can be referred as needed.

Remember, YOU are the most important member of your diabetes care team. Any other specialists will depend on you to tell them your needs, priorities, and feelings. Having the right diabetes care team can set you up for diabetes management success.