THE MEDICAL TEAM: The Secondary Team
Other physicians, nurses, therapists and experts to assist you in caring for your loved one with diabetes
BY:SHAUNA S. ROBERTS, PHD
Specialists who might be recommended by the primary diabetes doctor include:
Nephrologist. A kidney specialist to deal with diabetic nephropathy and other renal ailments often detected by blood or urine tests.
Neurologist. A nervous-system specialist to determine the extent of and treatment for diabetes-related nerve damage.
Podiatrist. A foot-health specialist to investigate and treat poor blood circulation, slow-to-heal injuries, nerve damage, calluses and sores; guard against infections; professionally trim toenails; prescribe orthotic shoes or shoe inserts and more.
Mental-health professional. A psychiatrist (MD), psychologist (MS, MEd, PhD), social worker (MSW), marriage/family therapist (MS, PhD) or counselor (LPC) to assist with handling the avalanche of information and necessary life changes attributed to diabetes, including feelings of loss of freedom, anger, grief, guilt and depression.
Nurse Practitioner. A registered nurse (RN) with additional training and a master's or doctorate degree to perform many of the same tasks as doctors, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering lab tests and prescribing medicines. If you see a nurse practitioner for your diabetes care, try to find one who specializes in endocrinology.
Occupational Therapist. A MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Sciences), MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) or OTD (Doctor of Occupational Therapy) trained to help people regain independence, whether it involves vision issues, nerve damage or other physically restricting issues.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist. A physician specializing in the female reproductive system to deal with the dangers women with diabetes and their fetuses face during pregnancy or due to unplanned pregnancies. An ob-gyn can help with birth control and pregnancy preparation and later monitor pregnancies for diabetes-related problems. In addition, diabetes damage to nerves or blood vessels can cause sexual problems in women, and an ob-gyn can suggest ways to make intercourse comfortable and pleasurable again.
Urologist. A physician specializing in the urinary system and the male reproductive system to deal with diabetes-related nerve damage to the bladder and the blood vessels and nerves serving the penis. Urologists treat erectile dysfunction (impotence), which is common among men with diabetes, and bladder problems, such as a weak or dribbling urine stream.
Dermatologist. A skin specialist to deal with diabetes-related skin problems, such as dry and itchy skin, skin infections and cracked skin.
For more on The Medical Team, click on:
The Primary Medical Team
Dealing with Multiple Doctors