who should be involved in the treatment of a diabetic patient

Who is involved in the treatment of diabetes?

Endocrinologist: This doctor (MD or DO) specializes in diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system (the system that produces hormones such as insulin). Ophthalmologist or Optometrist : This doctor (MD/DO or OD), also known as an eye doctor, diagnoses and treats eye diseases and eye disorders.

What kind of care do you need for diabetes?

Nursing Specialist The most important person involved in the treatment of diabetes is the person diagnosed with the disease. It is your diagnosis and you should have a say in care, an explanation of the illness, what lifestyle changes are necessary in remaining healthy, and what professionals will help you successfully manage your disease.

Do I need a consultant or a Diabetologist at my Hospital?

 · A general care physician will often help in the treatment of people with diabetes. A person’s family doctor may be the person who first notices that they have high blood sugar …

Who should you work out with if you have diabetes?

 · The hospitalized patient should be treated by a physician with expertise in the management of diabetes, and recent studies suggest that achieving very stringent glycemic …

Who takes care of diabetic patients?

A diabetes specialist is called an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists specialize in the glands of the endocrine (hormone) system. The pancreas is the gland involved in diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin, and problems with insulin are what managing your diabetes is about.

What professionals can help with diabetes type 2?

Meet your diabetes healthcare teamWhen you're diagnosed with diabetes, you get access to your very own diabetes healthcare team. ... GP. ... Diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) ... Practice nurse. ... Diabetes specialist (diabetologist or endocrinologist) ... Registered dietitian. ... Registered podiatrist (foot specialist)More items...

Which is employed for treatment of diabetes?

Treatment of diabetes with insulin Insulin remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. Insulin is also an important therapy for type 2 diabetes when blood glucose levels cannot be controlled by diet, weight loss, exercise, and oral medications.

What is a diabetes nurse called?

The medical professionals who help diabetic patients monitor and manage their condition are known as diabetes management nurses. They provide information to patients and, in some cases, the patient's family members, to help them make educated health decisions with a goal of diabetes self-management.

Can a dietitian help with diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is key to managing diabetes. Choosing nutritious foods and watching portion sizes can help you control blood sugar levels. And, a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, can help you learn how to get the nutrients you need.

What are the nursing management of diabetes mellitus?

Nursing Priorities Correct/reverse metabolic abnormalities. Identify/assist with management of underlying cause/disease process. Prevent complications. Provide information about disease process/prognosis, self-care, and treatment needs.

How do you manage a patient with diabetes mellitus?

What to do:Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan. Ask your doctor about what type of exercise is appropriate for you. ... Keep an exercise schedule. ... Know your numbers. ... Check your blood sugar level. ... Stay hydrated. ... Be prepared. ... Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed.

How can diabetes be managed?

Diabetes affects your whole body. To best manage diabetes, you'll need to take steps to keep your risk factors under control and within the normal range, including: Keep your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible by following a diet plan, taking prescribed medication and increasing your activity level.

Who is involved in diabetes care?

The members of your healthcare team that will help you can include your physician, a certified diabetes educator, a dietician, a nurse, a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant, and whoever else is part of your medical team.

What is the best treatment for diabetes?

The best treatment for diabetes is often a multidisciplinary team effort where many professionals are involved with the individual and the family: a physician to manage the diabetes, a mental health therapist to help define and deal with emotional issues, a family therapist to help the family, and a dietitian to provide nutritional counseling and education.

What is a diabetes educator?

Diabetes educator - This expert can be a dietician, registered nurse or even a pharmacist who has received additional training in the care of those with a diagnosis of diabetes. This expert can teach you how to take insulin, check blood glucose levels, manage food choices, specifically count carbohydrates and also help you to achieve goals.

What is a certified diabetes educator?

Certified diabetes educator: The diabates educator is the person who is always on the end of the phone to answer any questions.

What type of diabetes has a whole medical team?

A child with type 1 diabetes has a whole medical team involved in his or her care. The team includes the following health professionals:

What is a registered dietician?

Registered dietician (nutritionist) - These are certified members who have extensive experience in helping you create a dietary program that is optimal. You can learn to read food labels, understand how to balance your meals and snacks, how to address nutritional needs pre and post workouts and how to navigate food parties and restaurant eating where you may not have complete control of ingredients and choices.

What are the best ways to treat diabetes?

Treatment. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.

How to treat type 1 diabetes?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.

What can a registered dietitian do?

A registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. This will likely include carbohydrate counting, especially if you have type 1 diabetes or use insulin as part of your treatment.

How to do a glucose challenge?

You'll begin the glucose challenge test by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal on a glucose challenge test, although this may vary at specific clinics or labs.

Can you test for diabetes at your first prenatal visit?

If you're at high risk of gestational diabetes — for example, if you were obese at the start of your pregnancy; you had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy; or you have a mother, father, sibling or child with diabetes — your doctor may test for diabetes at your first prenatal visit.

What is the blood sugar level of a diabetic?

Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher suggests diabetes. Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after an overnight fast.

What blood test is used to determine blood sugar levels?

Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test, which doesn't require fasting, indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

When seeing a doctor about diabetes for the first time, is it a good idea to prepare for the consultation?

When seeing a doctor about diabetes for the first time, it is a good idea to prepare for the consultation.

What is the most common specialist in the field of diabetes?

The most common specialists in the field of diabetes are endocrinologists. Endocrinologists specialize in hormonal issues and the glands that produce these hormones. Diabetes develops when the pancreas no longer produces insulin in the way it should do. The pancreas is a gland, and insulin is a hormone.

Can diabetes cause gum disease?

People with diabetes may also have a higher risk of gum disease than those without the condition. If a gum infection occurs, it can worsen quickly and lead to further complications.

Can diabetes affect your eyes?

Diabetes can affect the eyes, and a person may benefit from regular checkups with an eye doctor, or ophthalmologist.

Can diabetics see a podiatrist?

People with diabetes may benefit from seeing a podiatrist regularly. Common complications of diabetes include nerve damage and circulatory problems. These can increase the risk of a minor wound becoming an infection. If a wound remains untreated, or if a person does not notice it, ulceration can result.

Can a diabetic visit a CDE?

Visiting a CDE can also help people with diabetes to understand their condition.

Why is it important to understand the role of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the body?

Understanding the roles of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the body is important for diabetes management. The dietitian can advise the person on details such as: how much of each nutrient they need. the best sources of these nutrients. how to spread these nutrients throughout the day. They can also discuss:

CLASSIFICATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND SCREENING

In 1997, the ADA issued new diagnostic and classification criteria ( 3 ). The classification of diabetes mellitus includes four clinical classes:

INITIAL EVALUATION

A complete medical evaluation should be performed to classify the patient, detect the presence or absence of diabetes complications, assist in formulating a management plan, and provide a basis for continuing care.

MANAGEMENT

People with diabetes should receive medical care from a physician-coordinated team. Such teams may include, but are not limited to, physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and mental health professionals with expertise and a special interest in diabetes.

ASSESSMENT OF GLYCEMIC CONTROL

Techniques are available for health providers and patients to assess the effectiveness of the management plan on glycemic control.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

ADA technical reviews on exercise in patients with diabetes have summarized the value of exercise in the diabetes management plan ( 30, 31 ). Regular exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, contribute to weight loss, and improve well-being.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES COMPLICATIONS

CVD is the major cause of mortality for persons with diabetes. It is also a major contributor to morbidity and direct and indirect costs of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for macrovascular disease, and its common coexisting conditions (e.g., hypertension and dyslipidemia) are also risk factors.

Recommendations

Blood pressure should be measured at every routine diabetes visit. Patients found to have systolic blood pressure ≥130 or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg should have blood pressure confirmed on a separate day. (E)

HOSPITAL CARE DELIVERY STANDARDS

15.1 Perform an A1C on all patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia (blood glucose >140 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L]) admitted to the hospital if not performed in the prior 3 months. B

GLYCEMIC TARGETS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

15.4 Insulin therapy should be initiated for treatment of persistent hyperglycemia starting at a threshold ≥180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Once insulin therapy is started, a target glucose range of 140 – 180 mg/dL (7.8 – 10.0 mmol/L) is recommended for the majority of critically ill patients and noncritically ill patients. A

BEDSIDE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING

In the patient who is eating meals, glucose monitoring should be performed before meals. In the patient who is not eating, glucose monitoring is advised every 4 – 6 h ( 2 ). More frequent blood glucose testing ranging from every 30 min to every 2 h is required for patients receiving intravenous insulin.

ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC AGENTS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

15.6 Basal insulin or a basal plus bolus correction insulin regimen is the preferred treatment for noncritically ill hospitalized patients with poor oral intake or those who are taking nothing by mouth.

HYPOGLYCEMIA

15.8 A hypoglycemia management protocol should be adopted and implemented by each hospital or hospital system. A plan for preventing and treating hypoglycemia should be established for each patient. Episodes of hypoglycemia in the hospital should be documented in the medical record and tracked. E

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY IN THE HOSPITAL

The goals of medical nutrition therapy in the hospital are to provide adequate calories to meet metabolic demands, optimize glycemic control, address personal food preferences, and facilitate creation of a discharge plan. The ADA does not endorse any single meal plan or specified percentages of macronutrients.

SELF-MANAGEMENT IN THE HOSPITAL

Diabetes self-management in the hospital may be appropriate for select youth and adult patients ( 61, 62 ). Candidates include patients who successfully conduct self-management of diabetes at home, have the cognitive and physical skills needed to successfully self-administer insulin, and perform self-monitoring of blood glucose.

What is the best way to manage diabetes?

Managing diabetes requires a multi-disciplinary approach with medical professionals who have expertise in specific fields. Your health care team can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your condition and prevent or minimize related complications. You are the most important member of your care team. And your team depends on you ...

What is the name of the doctor who treats diabetics?

Ophthalmologists/Optometrists (eye doctors) Ophthalmologists and optometrists specialize in treating the eyes, which can be affected by diabetes. "Retinopathy" is a general term used for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes, and it's common in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

What is the doctor who treats high blood pressure?

Nephrologists. Nephrologists are doctors who specializes in disorders of the kidneys and diseases that affect them, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If your primary care doctor doesn’t feel that your kidneys are functioning properly, they may send you to a nephrologist to diagnose and treat the problem.

What is the name of the doctor who treats thyroid disorders?

Endocrinologists (hormone doctors) Endocrinologists treat people with endocrine gland disorders, such as diabetes, and thyroid diseases and hormonal disorders. In many cases, an endocrinologist may become the primary doctor to manage your diabetes.

What is a registered dietitian?

Registered dietitians can help you understand dietary dos and don'ts — a must for managing diabetes. Being consistent about what, when and how much you eat is crucial. And without the help of a nutritional expert, it can be frustrating and confusing. Registered dietitians undergo rigorous academic training and extensive practical experience. Plus, they keep their food and nutrition knowledge up to date by completing continuing professional education programs.

What is a diabetes educator?

Diabetes educators provide diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES), which helps patients with diabetes navigate decisions and activities to support their treatment plan. They can be nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, doctors, exercise physiologists, podiatrists and social workers, among others.

Does diabetes raise risk for heart disease?

Get monthly science-based diabetes and heart-healthy tips in your inbox. Know Diabetes by Heart raises awareness that living with Type 2 diabetes increases risk for heart disease and stroke – and that people should talk with their doctor at their next appointment about ways to reduce risk.

How many visits do diabetics need per year?

One is that diabetes needs four visits per year – at a minimum – to give it the proper attention. Two is, there are many things that you could do to make your diabetes visits more efficient. One of the things I would say is have a download station.

Is diabetes a chronic disease?

We're seeing a lot of patients, it's focused around the chief complaint, and we know that diabetes as a prototypical chronic disease requires lots of attention to detail and a long-term plan, not just a short-term plan.

Is primary care the toughest job?

I can say confidently that primary care has one of the toughest jobs in the world, they manage so many things. But at the same time, they don't have to do it alone. Knowing where these programs are available in their community, using them as a resource to help our patients, really is something that I think is our next level. We need to have awareness about diabetes and prediabetes, but then also the resources available in the community to help our patients.

What is a diabetes specialist?

Diabetes specialist nurses, as the name suggests, are nurses with specialist knowledge of diabetes. Diabetes specialist nurses play a role in helping and supporting people with diabetes in managing their condition.

What to do if you develop complications?

If you develop complications, you may need to see a specialist in the relevant area of care.

What is a dietitian?

A dietitian is a specialist in food and nutrition who can help to advise you on the content and structure of your diet.

What kind of doctor can help with retinopathy?

Optometrists and opthalmologists are both eye specialists and can help with your retinopathy screening and other eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

What is a practice nurse?

Practice nurse. Practice nurses play a key and varied role in medical centres. Practice nurses are trained to deal with a wide range of tasks from treating injuries to performing blood tests and vaccinations.

What is a GP?

GP – general practitioner. Your GP (general practitioner) is your first point of contact who will be kept updated of any changes in your care and is responsible for prescribing any medicines and supplies you need. Read more about your GP.

Do diabetics need a podiatrist?

Not everyone with diabetes will see a podiatrist as basic foot checks can be performed by other healthcare staff. If you need to see a specialist for your feet, it will be a podiatrist that you see.

What kind of doctor do you see for diabetes?

Diabetes affects different parts of the body, so you’ll need to see different healthcare professionals who specialise in different things. This could be a podiatrist, who’s an expert in feet and legs. Or an ophthalmologist – an eye doctor.

Where is a diabetic doctor based?

They’re usually based at a hospital or diabetes clinic, although some areas have community diabetologists based at your GP surgery.

What to do if you are sick?

If you’re very ill, go to a hospital Accident and Emergency department immediately. Or call 999 for an ambulance.

What to do if you are not happy with your healthcare?

If you’re not happy with the care or advice you’re getting from a member of your healthcare team, ask the GP practice, hospital or clinic for a copy of their complaints procedure. It’ll tell you who to complain to and if there’s any kind of time limit.

Can you ask your GP for a second opinion?

If you want a second opinion on the treatment you’re getting, your healthcare team will be more than happy to ask their colleagues to see you. Or you can ask your GP for a new referral to a new team.

Can you bring a list of your regular checks with you?

You could bring a list of your regular checks with you and tick off what you’ve had. Remember you can ask about anything that’s due or not booked in yet.

Do you need to see a registered dietitian?

You should always see a registered dietitian when you’re first diagnosed and you’ll then have regular reviews with them. A nutritionist isn’t the same as a dietitian. They don’t need to be registered and your doctor won’t send you to a nutritionist for the specialist support you need for your diabetes.

Diagnosis

Treatment

• Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.

See more on mayoclinic.org

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Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment