As a member of the Eldercare Team you know that
we live by the concept of care teams. Diabetes
is a condition that often calls for a
specialized team of medical caregivers.
Even someone who is an "experienced" diabetic
with a good understanding of the disease, has
his or her blood sugar under good control, and
is not now experiencing any worrying side
effects or symptoms will probably need some or
all of these team members in time. In addition
to a primary care physician, most diabetics will
want to consult with one or more of the
following diabetes specialists:
Endocrinologists specialize in the organs of
the body that produce hormones. Diabetics
consult with endocrinologists in order to
prevent or treat uncontrolled blood sugar and
diabetic complications.
To find a local endocrinologist, use the
physician finder tool sponsored by the
American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists
A particularly vicious side effect of
diabetes is eye damage. The retina is
particularly susceptible to diabetic damage, and
retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or
blindness. Every diabetic should have his or her
eyes examined at least annually by a physician
trained in diseases of the eye. If damage has
already occurred, an ophthalmologist will almost
certainly want to see a diabetic patient more
frequently.
Use the website of the
American Academy of Ophthalmologists to find
a specialist eye physician.
People with a history of diabetes often have
poor circulation and damage to the nerves in the
feet and lower legs. This can lead to skin
breaks or sores which do not heal and the
potential for extremely serious, even
life-threatening, complications. Individuals
with diabetes who cannot easily reach their
feet, or who do not see well, should never
attempt to cut their own nails. Because
professional foot care is critical for
diabetics, Medicare will cover podiatric care
for beneficiaries with diabetes.
Visit
The American Podiatric Medical Association
to locate a podiatric physician.
A Nutritionist or Dietitian.
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Proper eating with diabetes is far more
complicated than simply avoiding foods with
"sugar." A nutrition professional can help a new
or confused diabetic understand how a diabetic
diet works and help tailor meal plans that will
work for individual preferences.
For those with diabetes who have been referred
by a doctor, Medicare covers three hours of
one-on-one nutrition assessment and counseling
services the first year, and two hours each year
thereafter.
If your physician does not have someone to
refer you to, the
American Dietetic Association has a database
of registered dieticians.
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