Health care providers should be your primary source for individualized information and advice about your diabetes. They can help you develop a treatment plan to manage the disease and prevent or, at least, minimize associated health complications.
"A joint effort—almost camaraderie—between you and your health care provider is often required to successfully manage type 2 diabetes," said Daniel W. Jones, M.D. and past president of the American Heart Association. Watch this video to learn more from Dr. Jones about working with your health care provider.
When working with your health care providers, it's important that you do your part. This includes:
In some cases, managing diabetes requires a multi-disciplinary approach with medical professionals who have expertise in specific fields. Your health care team may include:
Role of Family & Friends
In addition to your health care team, your friends and family can be vital to managing your diabetes, helping with your emotional well-being, and supporting you in case of an emergency.
With diabetes, there are often important choices and items to remember about your health care. Having a friend or family member around to help you make those decisions can be helpful. Choose one member of your family to come with you to your health care visits and help you with your diabetes management.
Your health care providers are bound by law to keep your medical information confidential. However, your family members may wish to speak with them to get answers to questions and find support to deal with their feelings. If you are not opposed to this, you can provide your health care providers with a list of people with whom they have your permission to discuss your medical condition.