Managing Diabetes Takes a Team Approach
You and your family make up the core of your child's
diabetes team. You may also depend on the support of several healthcare providers
who each have a unique role in helping you and your child with diabetes management.
Doctor(s)
Your child's doctor may be a pediatric endocrinologist, pediatrician, general practitioner, or internist
who has experience treating people with diabetes. It's important that you feel
confident in the care your child receives from his/her physician.
On your next visit, you may want to ask a few questions about the doctor's expertise
in treating type 1 diabetes. Examples may include:
- How many children with type 1 diabetes do you care for in your practice?
- Do you work with a type 1 diabetes nurse educator?
- Do you work with a dietitian knowledgeable about children with type 1 diabetes?
- Do you refer your patients for regular care with an eye doctor experienced in caring
for children with type 1 diabetes?
- What is your experience with insulin pumps?
- Does your practice have someone available 24 hours a day to help me manage my child's
diabetes?
Your primary care provider also may refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating children with diabetes. In the end, only you can determine
if you are satisfied with your child's medical care. If you don't feel comfortable
with your doctor, it may be time to seek a new provider.
Diabetes Educator
A certified diabetes educator (CDE) is trained to help you and your child learn
about diabetes management, such as proper injection technique, how to check blood
sugar, and how to incorporate diabetes into your daily life.
Dietitian
A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition who can help you develop and maintain
a healthy eating plan that's designed especially for your child's age and
activity level.
Eye Specialist
Eye care is an important component of diabetes and eye health. It is generally recommended
that children should have a thorough eye exam once they reach the age of 10 or have
had diabetes for at least 3 years. Annual care is usually recommended, but your
doctor will tell you if your child needs more or less frequent eye exams.
Other professionals who may be part of your child's healthcare team include
a mental health professional, exercise specialist, foot doctor, your pharmacist,
and dentist.
