Simply put, diabetes specialists are nurses, physicians, dieticians and other medical professionals that specialize in the treatment of diabetes. There are many types of diabetes specialists. Some specialists work with people with type I diabetes. Others work specifically with people with type II diabetes. There are also specialists who usually work with specific age groups of the diabetes population; such as children, youth, adult and elderly.
There are many physicians that work specifically with diabetes. There is also a medical specialty called endocrinology. Endocrinologists often times work with the diabetic population, along with seeing patients with other endocrine disorders. If you are looking for the right diabetes specialist for you or your loved one, keep these tips in mind.
How to Find the Right Diabetes Specialists
Typically, people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed by their family physician or primary physician. After initial diagnosis, depending on the severity and type of diabetes diagnosed, your physician might recommend that you find a diabetes specialist or specialty group.
Many primary physicians monitor and treat type II diabetes and mild diabetes. However, if you are having complications or your diabetes is not being controlled well by diet, exercise, and maybe medications or insulin, you may need to find a specialist to help.
There are several resources you can use to find a diabetes specialist that will meet your needs. First, talk with your primary physician and ask for a recommendation or a referral. Most primary physicians have good working relationships with specialists that they know and trust. If you like your primary physician, this is a great place to start.
Another option includes checking with your insurance company for recommendations in your area. There are also usually many good sources online for searching for diabetes specialists. You can also check with your local hospital for recommendations. Most cities also have diabetes networks, diabetes support groups, and diabetes specialty centers. All of these are great places to check with to find excellent diabetes specialists in your neighborhood.
What to Expect On the First Visit to the Diabetes Specialists
It can be very scary to get the dreaded diagnosis of diabetes. After the initial diagnosis, your physician will ask you to make some lifestyle changes, monitor your blood sugar regularly, and possibly take medications or insulin regularly. If these changes do not produce the results your physician desires, you will probably need to see a specialist.
Visiting a specialist can feel scary and overwhelming, but the initial visit is usually very painless. The specialist will typically review your medical records, your recent labs and your recent blood sugar logs. You may also be asked to bring a food journal with you. The specialist will look over everything and talk with you about changes that will help control your diabetes more effectively. The diabetes specialist may do additional lab tests. They may also want you to return for fasting blood work. Overall, the first visit is usually about 30 to 45 minutes in length. When the visit is completed, you should have an action plan in your hand of steps you need to take to control you diabetes.
If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, remember that millions of people have this diagnosis and live healthy and happy lives. Follow the recommendations of your diabetes specialists and daily living will be much easier for you.
