Patient Video Clip
Working with your diabetes care team
Working with your diabetes care team
Listen to what Carolyn has to say about the difference a good team can make.
More: Carolyn's Story
My diabetes care team
Along with your doctor, your diabetes care team may include these professionals:
- Certified diabetes educator (CDE) – specially trained to help you understand how your medicines work, teach you how to check your blood sugar, help you reduce your risk for diabetes-related problems, and help you make a plan for healthy eating and physical activity. Your diabetes educator can also help you solve problems and adjust emotionally to diabetes
- Registered dietitian (RD) – can help you create a meal plan that fits your needs and preferences. Some dietitians are also CDEs
- Eye doctor – conducts a dilated eye exam at least once a year to check for signs of diabetes-related eye problems
- Foot doctor (podiatrist) – checks your feet and treats foot problems, such as wounds, infections, or other diabetes-related foot problems
- Pharmacist – can help organize your medicines and answer questions about the medicines you take. Some pharmacists are also CDEs
- Behavioral health professional – can help you with the stress of adapting to and living with diabetes. Some of these professionals are also CDEs
Personal story about diabetes care team
In short, your care is a joint effort between you and your diabetes care team. But you are the only one who can make sure you take the right actions and make the right decisions about your diabetes care. Carrying out your diabetes care plan on a day-to-day basis – taking medicine, checking your blood sugar, being active, and eating healthy meals – rests on your shoulders. Regular visits with your diabetes care team can help keep you focused on your goals – and remind you that you can do it!
