Your Diabetes Care Team

Diabetes is a part of your life. It can impact different parts of your body. And it takes a team of well-trained professionals to help you manage it properly.

Your primary care doctor is your go-to person for routine medical care, like, exams, lab tests, and medication. Other specialists help provide care you may need beyond the skills of your primary care doc.

Endocrinologists focus on the endocrine system, the part of your body that produces hormones, like, insulin. Your doctor may recommend you see an endocrinologist if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or your treatment isn't working.

A nutritionist will help you understand how food affects diabetes and how to best manage glucose levels.

Diabetes educators offer support and help you learn skills needed for effective treatment, like, checking glucose levels and coping with the emotional side of diabetes.

Cardiologists treat problems of the heart and blood vessels, and are a crucial part of your care team.

That's because people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to get cardiovascular disease. A cardiologist will work alongside your primary care doctor. To find out what treatments or prevention strategies could lower your risk.

Your ophthalmologist will make sure there are no early changes to your eyes that could later threaten your vision. You'll need an exam once a year. But more frequent visits may be needed if you have eye problems.

People who have lost feeling or had injuries to their feet benefit from the care of a podiatrist, who specializes in foot care. You want to visit them at least once a year to detect problems early and prevent other complications.

In some cases, diabetes can lead to a loss of feeling in other areas of the body In that case, a neurologist can help find the best treatments for relieving pain linked to the loss of feeling.

Ultimately, the most important part of your diabetes care team is you. Healthcare professionals are here to help you gain confidence and live successfully with diabetes.