Contents:
- Medical Video: Ask the Expert: Diabetes
- Health workers needed in the treatment of diabetes
- 1. A specialist in internal medicine
- 2. Ophthalmologist
- 3. Podiatrist
- 4. Physiotherapist
- 5. Nutritionist
- How do I prepare for my initial visit?
Medical Video: Ask the Expert: Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires many health professionals in their care. Yes, not only one doctor plays a role in treating diabetes, but a variety of health experts. Of course, each expert has a different role and this makes diabetes easier to control.
So, what health professionals are needed in the treatment of diabetes?
Health workers needed in the treatment of diabetes
1. A specialist in internal medicine
The first diagnosis of diabetes may be found by a general practitioner after you experience symptoms of diabetes such as high blood sugar levels and the body is easily limp.
Depending on the symptoms or risk factors, the general practitioner may test urine or blood to diagnose the disease. Later if other symptoms of diabetes are found, the general practitioner will refer to a specialist in internal medicine (SpPD).
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, an internal medicine specialist may prescribe medication and control your condition, or you may be treated by another specialist to help monitor your treatment.
Your internal medicine specialist is part of your diabetes doctor team. If the diabetes case is already quite difficult, for example accompanied by various complications in the kidney and heart, internal medicine doctors may refer you to a more specific internal medicine doctor, who is a metabolic endocrine consultant and diabetes (SpPD-KEMD).
2. Ophthalmologist
Complications of diabetes such as cataracts, glaucoma, and damage to the retina are problems for many people with diabetes. Now, to support the diabetes treatment you are taking, you should regularly visit an ophthalmologist, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
3. Podiatrist
Vascular disease that prevents blood from flowing into small vessels is common in people with diabetes. This condition can affect the legs in particular, so you should regularly visit a podiatrist.
Podiatrist is a foot surgeon who is needed in the treatment of diabetes.Podiatrist specialists can generally cure ulcers or small sores in diabetics. A podiatrist can monitor your legs or other parts of your body for serious infections that lead to amputation.
4. Physiotherapist
Moving actively and getting enough exercise is something that is needed in controlling blood sugar levels and maintaining body weight. People with diabetes sometimes also need professional help to help you do your exercise routine and motivate you to actively move
5. Nutritionist
Nutritionists play an important role in the treatment of diabetes that you do. Because the arrangement dietary habit the right thing is very necessary to control blood sugar levels to remain normal.
If you have trouble finding the right diet to control your symptoms, ask for help from a nutritionist. They can help you make a list of meal plans that suit your needs.
How do I prepare for my initial visit?
Call ahead and ask what you need to prepare before a health check, such as fasting for a blood test. Make a list of all the symptoms and medications you use and write if you have questions before meeting. Here are examples of questions that you can start:
- What tests do I need to check for diabetes?
- How will you know what type of diabetes I have?
- Will I be injected with insulin every day? Or are there other drugs?
- How much does this treatment cost?
- What can I do to control my diabetes?
