Diabetic Living Australia — July-August 2017

86 JULY/AUGUST 2017 diabetic living

When you’re managing

diabetes, support is

crucial. Dr Kate Marsh

explains why these players

are essential to your team.

1

General practitioner

Your GP is the

coordinator of your

overall health care. They

may be the main expert

helping you manage your

diabetes, particularly if

you have type 2. Find

a GP you can rely on

and see them regularly.

2

Endocrinologist

Everyone with type 1

and those with more

complex type 2 need an

endo. They provide advice

on managing insulin and

any other medications.

These experts can also

diagnose other endocrine

conditions such as thyroid

problems and polycystic

ovary syndrome (PCOS),

which can be more common

in those with diabetes.

3

Diabetes educator

This person can help

you understand and

interpret your BGLs, deal

with highs and lows and

educate you on how to

handle sick days, manage

your medications and

learn to give injections.

4

Dietitian Experts in

food and nutrition,

a dietitian will help

you understand how

different foods affect your

BGLs, how to balance food

with meds or insulin and

how to read food labels.

They can also help you

develop a meal plan to

suit your personal needs

and preferences.

Here

to help!

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Want to round out your

care team with additional

experts? Enlist the help of

these health professionals.

● Exercise physiologist

To develop an exercise plan.

● Podiatrist Will assess and

manage any diabetes-related

foot problems you may have.

● Ophthalmologist To

monitor and treat diabetes-

related eye problems.

● Pharmacist Can help with

advice about medications.

● Psychologist To assist you

with coming to terms with

diabetes or help you when

you’re feeling diabetes-related

distress or burnout.

● Local or online diabetes

support groups Can provide

friendship and encouragement

when you need a little TLC.

Listen to

your heart

KEEP IN MIND You’re in

charge of the day-to-day

management of your

diabetes. You’re also in

charge of your team.

If you feel like they don’t

have your best interests

at heart, be sure to seek

help elsewhere.

Meet the four key people you need on

your care team. Wellbeing awaits!