The American Diabetes Association has a long list of who should be on our health care team, physician, nurse, dietitian, eye doctor, podiatrist, dentist, exercise specialist and therapist or social worker. That's a lot of people, do we really need all these professionals?

Physician /Nurse: Yes you need to see one of them every three months. I believe some people see their health care provider every six months for their diabetes checkup. I'd be really uncomfortable going that long.
Diabetes isn't a stagnant disease. It changes as time goes on. It's not like some where the treatment always stays the same.
It's vital that they keep a check on your diabetes.

I see a Nurse Practioner and she's great. She does just a good a job as a physician I saw once or twice.

Dietitian: Since what you eat has a direct very important correlation to your blood glucose you need someone who knows how to create a meal plan for you. They can also make changes as the need arises.
My dietician has her CDE and she's great. She has been patient with me when I've goofed up and cheers me on when I'm doing well.

Eye doctor: Diabetes can change your eyes. You can go blind from some of these changes. I see my eye doctor once a year. Those dialated eye checks are oh so important. My eye doc also has a machine that takes pictures of my eyes. Lots of pics but they show very important information.
It's also important to see your eye doc immediately if you notice any changes in your vision. My mother notice some very severe changes and she didn't go to the her eye doc and her vision is w/i the legaly blind range. Not totaly gone but she can no longer read which was one of her pleasures.

Podiatrist: I hear they're important but I don't see one.
My nurse practitioner keeps a close check on my feet. My feet still have lots of feeling. I also do my foot checks.

Exercise specialist: Long ago and when the budget wasn't so tight i saw a personal trainer.
The closest I come to a specialist in that area is the person who sets up my workout program.
For me this is enough.
A personal trainer is a great person to have on your team but my budget doesn't allow for it at the moment.
That being said I'm blessed to belong to a gym that is owned by a hospital. I'm blessed that I can seek advice anytime I need it. I'm also blessed that my workout program will be change as I need it.
But I think that if you find an exercise that you love you really don't have to spend the money on a specialist in order to be successful in that area.
Your drive and determination will go a long way.

Therapist: If your having serious problems dealing with your diabetes that would be someone who could be helpful.
There happen to be other ways to deal with problems. Talking to a friend, being in a support group, etc.
I don't think everyone needs to see a therapist simply because they have diabetes.

Social Worker: That person could be really helpful if you have needs that you can't meet because of financial difficulties.
I'm grateful that I've never had to access that type of help.
I hope that I continue to be so fortunate.

It sounds like you have a great time who help you take care of your health. Thanks for sharing!

Lynn, whose on your team?