Working with Your Health Care Team

Discussion Topics Diabetes health care team. Controlling diabetes and its complications.

Diabetes Health Care Team Diabetes EducatorPrimary Care DoctorDietitian Family and FriendsNurse Diabetes DoctorNurse Practitioner Peer HelperFoot Doctor Community Health WorkerPharmacist Eye DoctorMental Health Counselor Dentist Person with Diabetes

Diabetes Health Care Team Why is a team important? Helps the person with diabetes manage their diabetes. Helps lower the risk for diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes Health Care Team Working with their team, people with diabetes can lower their risk for complications by Having the recommended diabetes related tests and checkups such as dental, eye, and foot exams. Following a healthy meal plan. Being more active. Taking medications as prescribed.

Diabetes Health Care Team Keep track of your diabetes tests and checkups.

Diabetes Health Care Team See a podiatrist, dentist, and eye doctor every year. Each VisitDateResult Foot check Review self-care plan Weight check Review medicines Once-a-YearDateResult Dental exam Dilated eye exam Complete foot exam Flu shot Kidney check At least onceDateResult Pneumonia shot Hepatitis B shot

Team with Your Podiatrist Get a full foot exam at least once a year. Learn how to check your feet every day. See your podiatrist right away if you develop any foot pain, redness, or sores. Find out what shoes are best for you. Make sure that your feet are checked at every health care visit.

Team with Your Eye Doctor Get a full eye exam with dilated pupils every year. Ask how to prevent diabetic eye disease. Ask what to do if you have vision changes.

Team with Your Dentist Visit your dental care provider at least once a year for a full mouth exam. Learn the best way to brush and floss your teeth. Ask about early signs of tooth, mouth, and gum problems. Ask about the link between diabetes and gum disease.

Team with Your Pharmacist Medicines are often needed to control diabetes. Make a list of your medicines and the exact doses, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Update and review the list with your pharmacist every time there is a change. Ask how to take your medicine and obtain related supplies to get the best results at the lowest cost.

Team with Your Diabetes Educator Diabetes educators Focus on all aspects of diabetes care. Tailor their help to what you need at a given time. Ask your doctor can give you a referral to a diabetes education program in your area.

Team with Your Dietitian A dietitian can help you develop an individualized meal plan to help you choose What to eat. How much to eat. When to eat.

Team with Your Dietitian Your meal plan should be based on What you like to eat and drink. Your daily schedule. The number of calories you need to reach/ maintain your target weight. Your physical activity schedule and routine. The timing or effect of any diabetes medications that you take.

Team with Sources of Support It is normal to experience a range of emotions and be stressed when living with diabetes. People can develop healthy coping strategies by adjusting how they think, feel, and act. A counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns might help you feel better.

Team with a Mental Health Counselor People with diabetes are twice as likely to have depression as people without diabetes. Depression is a serious issue and it can make it harder to manage your diabetes, which could lead to complications. Poor blood sugar management, medication side affects, and other physical problems can lead to symptoms of depression.

Your Diabetes Team Is your diabetes health team complete? Are there any team members you should add to your team?

Control Your Diabetes Every Day Be more active. Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking or using other tobacco products. Ask your providers to share your exam results. Manage your ABCs. Learn about managing your diabetes by visiting

Learning About Diabetes Learn How to Manage Your Diabetes Ask your doctor for a referral to a diabetes self- management education program recognized or accredited by the American Diabetes Association or the American Association of Diabetes Educators.American Diabetes AssociationAmerican Association of Diabetes Educators

For more information, call CDC-INFO ( ) TTY , or visit To order resources, visit