Health Tip: Your Diabetes Health-Care Team

(HealthDay News) -- If you have diabetes, you need more than just a primary care doctor to help manage your health.

The American Diabetes Association says other specialists also should be considered as part of a diabetic''s medical team. They include:

• An endocrinologist, or a primary care physician with significant experience in treating diabetes.
• A registered nurse trained in diabetes care, who can help with day-to-day diabetes management concerns.
• A registered dietitian, who can help you decide your daily diet and help you learn how food affects your blood sugar.
• An eye doctor, who can check your eyes regularly for diabetes-related complications.
• A podiatrist, who regularly examines your feet.
• A dentist, who checks regularly for gum disease and other oral problems.
• An exercise physiologist, who teaches you how exercise can help control diabetes and prevent complications.
• A therapist or social worker, who can help you deal with the emotional aspects of having diabetes.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 18, 2009

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