Understanding diabetes: finding support

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Diabetes can affect many different parts of the body. So you may be working with several different kinds of health care providers to manage your condition.

Understanding your care team and the roles they play can help you get the support you need to keep your diabetes in check.

Your primary care provider is the doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who does routine medical care, like physical exams, lab tests, and prescriptions.

In addition to your primary care provider, you might also be seeing an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist is a doctor who

has specialized training in treating diabetes and other conditions of the endocrine system. Other members of your care team

may also include a nephrologist, a doctor that deals with the kidneys, an ophthalmologist or optometrist,

a doctor who deals with the eyes, a podiatrist, a doctor who deals with the feet and lower leg problems, a dentist,

a registered dietitian, a certified diabetes care and education specialist, a fitness professional,

and a mental health professional. Learning how to coordinate your care with your primary care provider and other members of your care

team can help you get support to manage your diabetes better. Of course, you'll find support in other areas, too.

Your friends, your family, and your community can all be great resources to draw from.