Health professionals involved in diabetes care
Diabetes is a complex, chronic disease that affects many body systems and requires treatment for the rest of your life. Because diabetes affects so many parts of your body, it has the potential to involve many medical specialists.
You have a lot to learn about both your disease and how best to manage it. However, you do not have to go through this process alone. Health professionals can help you make good choices about your diabetes treatment. Working with a team, you can make the lifestyle changes that allow you greater control over the disease and how it develops over time.
The following table provides information about the health professionals who may be involved in your care. You need to see some of these professionals regularly; others you may see only occasionally or if you develop complications.
Diabetes health professionals Professional
What is their role?
When would you see them?
Nurse educator Educates people and helps them take control, and often coordinates treatment
After diagnosis, to learn about diabetes and the daily treatment (for example, how to give an insulin injection)
As needed, when daily treatment needs adjusting
Primary care physician
- Internist
- Family physician
- Pediatrician
Other health professionals that may serve as primary care coordinators:
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
May serve as diabetes care coordinator and is responsible for the day-to-day medical management of diabetes
Nurse practitioners or physician assistants may also serve as care coordinators.
Regular visits (about 4 times a year) Endocrinologist or Pediatric Endocrinologist
Specialty medical care (may coordinate care as well)
Sometimes regular visits, or as treatment problems come up
Other specialists
- Nephrologist (kidney specialist)
- Cardiologist (heart specialist)
- Neurologist (nerve specialist)
- Ophthalmologist (eye specialist)
- Podiatrist (foot doctor) or orthopedic surgeon (bone and joint doctor)
Provide specialty care for specific problems
Ophthalmologists and podiatrists provide preventive eye and foot care, which helps prevent those specific complications.
At least once a year, or when a problem develops
Registered dietitian Educates people and helps them set up and follow their daily meal plan
Whenever diet and self-management need explaining
Exercise physiologist Educates people and helps them develop an appropriate exercise program for their fitness level
Initial visit and periodic consultations as necessary
Mental health professionals
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
Helps people manage stress and cope with emotional problems, such as depression, that may develop
Regularly (perhaps weekly), for as long as psychological symptoms go on
At a minimum, you need to see a doctor, a nurse educator, and a dietitian. At health care facilities that specialize in treating diabetes, you may have a team of all the above professionals and also a pharmacist to help you.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: December 15, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism | |
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