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

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