UNIT FOUR LESSON 12Working with Your Health Care Team
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, participants should be able to:1. State the importance of the team approach to managing
diabetes
2. Identify members of the health care team
3. Set a goal that relates to working with the health care team
4. Describe feelings and experiences of living with diabetes
5. Identify ways to modify everyday snacks to fit into the diabetes meal plan
L-esson
Team Approach to Diabetes Management
Diabetes affect the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, legs, and feet
A team approach is needed to manage the disease, identify problems, and reduce or prevent diabetes complications
Members of theHealth Care Team
Core Team MembersYou
Primary care provider (doctor)
Family members
Certified diabetes educator (CDE)
Registered dietitian
Nurse educator
You Are the Most ImportantMember of the Team
Family Members and Friends
Primary Care Provider - Doctor
Questions to Ask Your DoctorWhat target range should I have for my blood
glucose?
Am I controlling my blood glucose?
How is my blood pressure?
How is my blood cholesterol?
Questions to Ask Your DoctorDo I have symptoms of nerve damage?
Are my feet healthy?
Do I have signs of kidney disease?
Should I get a flu or pneumonia vaccine?
When next should I see you?
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
CDEs are health professionals who have special training in teaching people with diabetes how to manage the disease
Questions to Ask Your CDEWhat is type 2 diabetes and what are the symptoms?
How do I cope with diabetes?
How do I manage my diabetes?
How does diabetes affect my eyes,kidneys, heart and nerves?
Questions to Ask Your CDEHow do I use a glucose meter to monitor my blood
glucose?
What should I do if my blood glucose numbers are too low or too high?
How do I give myself insulin injections?
Registered Dietitian (RD)A dietitian is trained in
nutrition and has passed a national exam
Some dietitians have special training in working with individuals with diabetes
Your doctor refers youto a dietitian
Questions to Ask Your RDHow do I make good food choices?
What foods cause my blood glucose to rise quickly?
What foods should I choose when I am eating out?
Questions to Ask Your RDHow do I find diabetes recipes?
How do I include cultural foods into my meal plan?
How do I eat when I am sick?
What is the best diet to follow if I want to lose weight?
Nurse EducatorA nurse educator is a registered nurse (RN) with
special training in caring for and teaching people how to live with and manage diabetes
Questions to Ask your Nurse EducatorHow can I make changes in my daily habits so that I
can cope with diabetes?
How can I manage my diabetes?
How can I reduce my risk for diabetes complications?
Other Team MembersPharmacist, CDE if available
Eye doctor (ophthalmologist)
Podiatrist (foot doctor)
Dentist
Counselor
Exercise Physiologist
PharmacistThe pharmacist is trained
in the science and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications
They can be found in neighborhood drugstores and large food chains
They help with the selection of blood glucose meters and over-the-counter diabetes supplies
PharmacistLet the pharmacist know all the medications you are
taking, including herbal supplements, because they can interact with the medications your doctor prescribed
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
How does the medicine work?
How should I take the medicine?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
How do I know if the medicine is working?
What are some of the side effects of taking this medication?
Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist
What should I avoid when taking this medication?
How should I store the medicine?
Do I need a refill?
Are there generic brands of this medication?
Ophthalmologist: Eye Doctor An ophthalmologist is a
doctor who specializes in diseases of the eye.
Questions to AskYour Eye Doctor
Do I have eye problems?
Do I need glasses or new glasses?
Do I need special treatment?
Am I eligible to drive?
What can I do to take care of my eyes?
What should I do if I notice changes in my vision?
Podiatrist or Foot DoctorA podiatrist is a doctor trained to prevent, diagnose,
and treat problems of the lower legs
Questions to Ask Your Podiatrist
How can diabetes affect my feet?
How well are the nerves in my feet sensing feeling?
How is the blood flow to my legs and feet?
Are there changes in my feet?
What is the best way to trim my toenails?
Questions to Ask Your Podiatrist
What type of lotion or cream should I use on my legs and feet?
What are the best types of shoes to purchase?
Can special shoes help my feet?
How can I care for my feet?
Dentist
People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled
They are also more likely to get infections and that is another reason they tend to have teeth, mouth, and gum problems
Questions to Ask Your DentistDo I have early signs of tooth, mouth, or gum
problems?
How should I protect my teeth?
What is the correct way to brush and floss my teeth?
What should I do to keep my teeth, mouth, and gums healthy?
Mental Health Professionals
Mental Health ProfessionalsA mental health
professional may be a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor
These members of your team help with the social and emotional side of living with diabetes
DepressionPeople with diabetes are more likely to be depressed
The daily tasks needed to manage diabetes can become overwhelming, especially if a person is experiencing diabetes complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and/or poor blood glucose control
Questions to Ask YourMental Health Professional
Is depression normal for persons with diabetes?
How do I deal with my feelings and emotions?
Can my emotions raise my blood glucose?
Questions to Ask YourMental Health Professional
Social Worker
What kind of costs does Medicare cover?
How can I find resources to help with medical and financial needs?
Questions to Ask YourMental Health Professional
Counselor
Where can I find support for depression and emotional stress?
How can I deal with depression as a result of diabetes?
Questions to Ask YourMental Health Professionals
Psychiatrist
If I have to take medication, what are the side effects of medication?
Are there other treatment?
How will medication affect my blood glucose levels?
Exercise PhysiologistAn exercise physiologist is a licensed health
professional who can plan an exercise program that is safe and appropriate for you
Benefits of Exercise:• Lowers blood glucose level• Helps the body use insulin
more effectively• Improves heart functions• Controls your weight• Helps you feel better
Questions to Ask YourExercise Physiologist
What type of exercise is best for me?
How can I exercise safely?
How long should I exercise?
Putting it All TogetherShare what you learned about diabetes and the health
care team
E-mpowermentDiabetes Education Series:
Working with Your Health Care Team
Diabetes Education SeriesDescribe your experiences and feelings working with
your health care team.
What worked well for you?
What was most difficult?
What are ways that you could overcome some of these difficulties?
A-ctionDid you accomplish the goal you set last week?
Your goal is to develop your health care team.
R-eal-Life Problem SolvingPhyllis’ Story
Phyllis’ Story
Questions about Phyllis’ StoryWhat information would you give Phyllis concerning
individuals who should be on her diabetes care team?
Explain the role of these individuals to Phyllis and how often she should see them.
What other information can you pass on to Phyllis?
How can Phyllis keep track of what health care specialist she needs to see and how often?
Questions about Phyllis’ StoryPlease find the Real-Life Problem Solving handout for
this lesson in your folder
These questions will help with your understanding of Phyllis’ story
N-utritionMenu
Fruit Yogurt DipMini Bran Muffin
We have come to the end!
Continue on the path of success!
Keep reaching for your goals!
Date:
References:
Margaret E. Cook-Newell, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., CDE Irene Hong-McAtee, MD, MCR
Adrienne Glodt, B.S., Graduate Student Laura Hieronymus, MSEd, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE Cheryl Case, M.S., Harrison County Ann Hollon, M.A., Wolfe County
Hazel Forsythe, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., CFCS Stephen D. Perry, M.S., R.D., L.D. Pam Sigler, M.S. Lynn Blankenship, M.S., Metcalfe County Theresa Scott, M.A., Floyd County Tamara Thomas, M.S., Franklin County
Rusty Manseau, B.A., Graphic Artist
Author: Ingrid Adams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor , Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kentucky
Other Contributors