Health Care Team
Who Should Be Part of My Health Care Team?
There are many people who will be part of your health care team. A health care team is a group of people that will help you learn about diabetes and how to take good care of yourself. The team needs you to tell them how things are working and when you need help. You are the key member of the team. If there is not already a team in place for you, you can build one for yourself. Look for health care team members at your local hospital, diabetes clinic or call the Canadian Diabetes Association (1-800-BANTING) for information. Here is a list of people that could be on your team:
Diabetes Educator
A health care professional who can teach you about the day-to-day care of your diabetes, the educator can teach you:
- About diabetes and how it affects you.
- How to test your blood glucose.
- How medication can help you manage blood glucose levels.
- How to take insulin, if you need it.
- How to keep track of your blood glucose control.
- About high and low blood glucose.
- How to prevent complications.
- Do much more.
It is a good idea to learn all you can and keep up to date because therapy for diabetes is improving all of the time. You can ask the diabetes educator about classes you can take.
Dietitian
An expert in food and nutrition, the dietitian will help you develop a meal plan that works for you. The dietitian can teach you how to:
- Make up a meal plan.
- Use a meal plan.
- Read food labels.
- Grocery shop.
- Choose healthier foods when you eat out.
- Find a good cookbook that suits your needs.
- Change the recipes you love to make them better for you.
- Do much more.
It is a good idea to see a dietitian every couple of years, whenever there is a change in your lifestyle, or when you have problems or questions.
Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
Everyone who has diabetes should have a primary care or family physician. As well, some people will need to go to an expert called an endocrinologist or diabetologist. If necessary, your primary care physician will refer you to an endocrinologist.
Your doctor will talk to you about:
- Your treatment plan and goals.
- The need for education.
- Lab tests and results.
- Other health care team members.
Pharmacist
An expert in drugs and how they affect your body, the pharmacist can teach you about:
- What time of day to take your medication.
- What side effects to watch for.
- How any other medications you take may interact with your diabetes medication.
- How to store your medication.
- What over-the-counter medication are best for you.
- The effects of herbal medicines you are interested in.
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Trained to take care of foot and lower-leg problems, your foot doctor (called a podiatrist or chiropodist) can help you learn about caring for your feet and is the best person to treat any of your foot problems. The podiatrist or chiropodist will talk to you about:
- Daily foot care.
- How to take care of your feet and legs.
- Problems and how to avoid them.
Support Groups
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who knows what it's like to live with diabetes. Ask your health care team about local support groups.
Your Family and Friends
Anyone who will support you is part of your team. Let these people help you take good care of yourself. It is a good idea to have a family member or close friend attend diabetes-education classes with you. This will not only give you a second set of eyes and ears, but you will have someone to help you who understands how hard take-charge management can be.
How Often Should I See My Team?
Of course, you will see your family and friends every day. They will give you lots of support and help you take care of yourself in many ways. You will see your pharmacist almost as often as you visit the pharmacy, and you can ask many questions while you are there. You will likely need an appointment to see the other members of your team.
The team approach is the key to making take-charge management work for you. How often you see your doctor will depend on your health and your treatment plan. With type 2 diabetes, two to four visits a year are recommended. If you are having problems or making changes in your treatment plan, more visits may be needed.
What Will My Team and I Look For, and When?
There are many things you and your health care team need to check to make sure your diabetes is being well managed. Some things need to be checked everyday, and others only once or twice a year. Your health care team will help you set your goals. Here are some take-charge items you can print out, keep track of and check with your team:
| Item | Optimal (Target Goal) | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Review your blood glucose records | Every visit | |
| Blood glucose (serum/plasma reference) | ||
| Fasting | 4.0-7.0 mmol/L | |
| Pre-meal | 4.0-7.0 mmol/L | |
| Post-meal (1-2 hours) | 5.0-10.0 mmol/L | |
| Comparison of meter and lab results (should be within 20% of each other) | Annually | |
| A1C (3-month test) | Less than 7% | Every three months |
| Tests for lipids (blood fats) | ||
| Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio | Less than 4.0 | Every year |
| LDL Cholesterol | Less than 2.5 mmol/L | Every year |
| Triglycerides | Less than 1.5 mmol/L | Every year |
| Blood Pressure | Less than 130/80 | Every visit |
| Weight | Every visit | |
| Foot exam (shoes and socks should be removed at every visit) | Every visit | |
| Microalbumin (urine kidney test) | Every year | |
| Dilated eye exam | Upon diagnosis and every 1-2 years depending on findings. | |
| EKG | As needed | |
What Else Should I Talk to My Health Care Team About?
- Flu shot (Is it a good idea for me and when?).
- Pneumonia vaccine (Is it a good idea for me?).
- Smoking (How do I quit?).
- Nutrition (How do I make the right food choices?).
- Medications (Which ones should I take and how do I take them?).
- Exercise (How do I make it part of my day?).
- Weight (How do I maintain a healthy weight?).
- Complications (How do I prevent them?).
- Cardiovascular risk reduction (What are the risk factors?).
- High and low blood glucose (How do I prevent them and how do I treat them?).
- Sick-day action plan (What do I do when I am sick?).
- Diabetes education (What else can I learn?).