Diabetes Doctors
Diabetes Doctors
Learn about the various healthcare professionals
who will help you manage your diabetes treatment.
Medical professionals that treat diabetes
Diabetes is managed by a variety of healthcare experts. To find out if you’re at risk for diabetes or if you’re experiencing symptoms connected with the disease, talk to your primary care physician about getting tested. While you may work with your primary care physician to manage your diabetes, you may also choose to have your health monitored by another doctor or specialist.
Continue reading to learn about the numerous doctors and specialists that can help with diabetes diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Diabetes Doctors
Types of Diabetes Doctors
Your local GP
At your regular appointments, your GP can screen for diabetes. Depending on your symptoms or risk factors, your doctor may order blood tests to check for the disease. Your doctor may recommend medication to help you control your diabetes if you have it. They may also send you to a specialist to assist with treatment monitoring. Your primary care physician will most likely be part of a team of healthcare professionals who will assist you.
Endocrinologist
Diabetes is an endocrine system disease that affects the pancreas gland. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in pancreatic disease diagnosis, treatment, and management. An endocrinologist is regularly consulted by people with type 1 diabetes to help them manage their treatment plan. If patients with type 2 diabetes are having problems controlling their blood glucose levels, they may need to see an endocrinologist.
Ophthalmologist
Over time, many persons with diabetes have difficulties with their eyes. These could include the following:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy, or retinal damage, is a common complication of diabetes.
- Diabetic macular oedema is a type of macular oedema caused by diabetes.
You should see an optician, such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, on a regular basis to check for these potentially dangerous disorders. People with type 1 diabetes should receive an annual dilated complete eye exam starting five years following diagnosis, according to Diabetes UK recommendations. Beginning at the time of diagnosis, people with type 2 diabetes should get this full dilated eye exam once a year.
Nephrologist
Diabetics are more likely to develop renal damage over time. A nephrologist is a doctor who specialises in renal disease therapy. Your primary care physician can do the recommended yearly test to detect kidney disease as early as feasible, but they may send you to a nephrologist if necessary. A nephrologist can assist you in managing your kidney illness. They can also perform dialysis, which is necessary when your kidneys aren’t working well.
Five years following diagnosis, people with type 1 diabetes should have an annual urine protein test and an estimated glomerular filtration rate test. This urine protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate test should be done every year starting at the time of diagnosis for people with type 2 diabetes and anyone with high blood pressure.
Podiatrist
If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop vascular illnesses that block blood flow to your small blood arteries. Long-term diabetes can potentially cause nerve damage. You should see a podiatrist on a regular basis because limited blood flow and nerve degeneration can affect the feet in particular. You may have a diminished capacity to heal blisters and injuries, even minor ones if you have diabetes. A podiatrist can keep an eye on your feet for infections that can lead to gangrene and amputation. These visits are not intended to replace your own daily foot checks.
Beginning five years after diagnosis, people with type 1 diabetes should see a podiatrist for an annual foot assessment. Beginning at the time of diagnosis, people with type 2 diabetes should have this foot exam once a year. A monofilament test, as well as a pinprick, temperature, or vibration sensation test, should be included in this examination.
Physical trainer or exercise physiologist
To manage your blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your blood vessels healthy, it’s critical to stay active and receive enough exercise. Getting expert assistance can help you get the most out of your workout and keep you motivated to remain with it.
Dietitian
When it comes to diabetes management, your diet is crucial. It’s the aspect of diabetes that many individuals think is the most difficult to comprehend and manage. Consult a qualified dietitian if you’re having problems finding the correct diet to help you control your blood sugar. They can assist you in developing an eating plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
Preparing for your first doctors visit
Preparing for your first doctors visit
It’s critical to be prepared regardless of whatever doctor or healthcare professional you see initially. You’ll be able to make the most of your time there this way. Call beforehand to check whether you need to do anything special in advance, such as fasting for a blood test. Make a list of all of your symptoms, as well as any drugs you’re currently taking. Before your appointment, make a list of any questions you have. To get you started, here are a few sample questions:
- What tests will I need to check for diabetes?
- How will you know what type of diabetes I have?
- What type of medication will I have to take?
- How much does treatment cost?
- What can I do to control my diabetes?
Resources for assistance
Resources for assistance
Diabetes has no known cure. It takes a lifetime to manage the sickness. Joining a support group, in addition to working with your doctors to manage treatment, may help you better cope with diabetes. Several national organisations provide an online community as well as information about local clubs and programmes. Here are a few websites to look into: