The Importance of Your Diabetes Care Team
Having diabetes means you need to take extra care of your health. But you don’t have to do it alone! Creating a strong healthcare team can make managing diabetes much easier and more effective. Think of it like forming a superhero team, where each member has their own special skills to help you stay healthy.
Who Should Be on Your Team?
- Healthcare Providers: These are the professionals who know all about diabetes and how to manage it. This team might include one or all, of the following: a primary care doctor, a diabetes specialist or endocrinologist, and a diabetes educator such as, a registered Nurse or a registered dietitian educated specifically in diabetes care.
- Caregivers: This could be anyone who helps you with your daily diabetes care. It might be a parent, another family member, or a close friend. They’re like your sidekick in managing your diabetes.
- Family and Friends: Your loved ones can offer you a lot of support. They can help you make healthy choices and be there for you when you need someone to talk to. But understandably so, it can sometimes be hard to ask family and friends for help. In those cases, consider talking to your healthcare provider or a diabetes educator. They may be able to suggest local support groups that can have a meaningful impact. And sharing questions and concerns with others fighting the same fight can be very empowering.
Tips for Creating Your Personalized Care Team
1. Communicate Openly: Just like any good team, communication is key. Be honest with your team about how you are feeling and what you need from them.
2. Educate Your Team: Sometimes, your family and friends might not understand what diabetes is or what you’re going through. Share information with them about your condition and how they can support you.
3. Set Goals Together: Work with your healthcare providers to set realistic health goals. Then, let your caregivers and family know how they can help you achieve them.
4. Meet Regularly: Have regular check-ins with your healthcare providers to track your progress. Also, keep your family and friends in the loop about your health. And recognize that living with diabetes has its ups and downs. It’s not uncommon to want to avoid going to see your healthcare team when things haven’t been going well. But that’s exactly when you need to go to that appointment!
5. Be Open to Advice: Sometimes a team member might have a great suggestion that can help you manage your diabetes better. Listen to their ideas and see if they work for you.
6. Thank Your Team: Don’t forget to show your appreciation for your care team’s help and support. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Your care team wants you to succeed.
And Don’t Forget Us! CCS Has Your Back
At CCS, we provide more than just supplies. We support our patients with onboarding, disease education and insights, and access to Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Through comprehensive educational resources, we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge and support you need to manage your health.
Managing Diabetes is a Team Effort
With the right mix of healthcare experts and support, you can lead a healthy and happy life.
Author: Janet Dominowski, MS, RDN, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
