We all know about the myriad of complications diabetes can cause.
There’s no need to go over the details. You fight hard every single
day to avoid those negative consequences. You choose the right
foods, you check your blood sugar, you make sure you exercise
regularly, and you take your insulin and/or medications. It sounds
like a huge amount of responsibility. It sounds lonely. The truth is
that it should not be that way. Diabetes management, whether type 1
or type 2, is a team sport. So my question is, “Who’s on your team?”
I’ve been a type 1 diabetic for over 38 years. No matter how hard I
tried and how many doctors tried to help, I was never able to create
a winning team until about 6 or so years ago. I’m not even sure I knew
that I needed or wanted a team. In any case, there was always some
part of the lineup that wasn’t quite working - many times that part
was me. So the first person I drafted for the team was yours truly. I
got motivated and decided I was going to play to win. For me, this
meant also getting the right equipment. By some miracle, I was able
to get an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). That
in itself was a real game changer - pun intended. Several years later,
I made the difficult decision to trade in that equipment for a
different brand that worked better for me. It was scary, but the rest
of my team helped make the transition easier.
The next team members to come on board were harder to find.
There were more “tryouts” than I would have liked, but I feel as
though I managed to find the best of the best. My primary care
physician and endocrinologist are spectacular teammates. Many
people have their primary manage their diabetes and it works well
for them; however, my suggestion is that you have one of each.
Think of it this way: two heads are better than one. My amazing
primary checks in with me about the diabetes, but is free to focus
more closely on my overall health because I also see an
endocrinologist. I find that endos are often better versed in available
technology, trends in the field, and management techniques. If your
insurance will allow you to have both, give it a try. Don’t be
discouraged if you have to try out different endos or pcp’s. Finding
the right fit makes all the difference. In addition to being on your
team, these people need to be cheerleaders and your biggest fans.
The encouragement, honesty, and solid advice mine provide are
priceless. If your physicians sound negative and put you down, find
new ones. Negativity is not a winning formula, and who wants to play
under adverse conditions. The stakes are too high.
Now that you’ve got that triumphant trio together, there’s one more
medical professional that you need to add: a dietician/nutritionist. I
thought I knew everything about carbs, portions, and nutrition for
diabetics. I fought my endo tooth and nail, and finally agreed to see
a dietitian. He was the perfect addition to my team. He met me on my
level and we were able to work together for my benefit. When I
developed a diabetes-related digestive disorder, I had to completely
change everything I had always known about healthy eating for
diabetes. I had to practically erase 30+ years of information and
rewire my thinking. I could not have done it without my dietitian. His
mix of encouragement and tough love, along with the collaborative
efforts of my endo, have helped keep the disorder in a more than
manageable state. Having the three medical professionals I’ve
discussed so far in the same network (and on the same portal) has
influenced my health journey in an incredibly positive way. At the
click of a button, they all have access to my health records, visit
reports, med lists, appointments, etc. This is priceless as it allows us
to all read from the same playbook.
The last can’t do without, gotta have, absolutely essential team
member is your “person”. What do I mean by that? I’m asking who is it
that understands you and your diabetes? Who in your life
encourages you, doesn't make ignorant comments, and is
comfortable enough to tease you about diabetes? Who is genuinely
concerned about your health but lets you be you? Who listens
without judgment? The one that does all of that is your person. You
may be blessed enough to have several of those people, but you
unequivocally need to have at least one. Everyone needs one. I’m
blessed enough to have many caring, understanding people in my
life. My person though, is my husband. He is unshakably invested in
my health; he is undeniably on my team. When he asks, “What’s our
sugar, sugar?” I know that I am not alone on this journey. He helps
me keep my eye on the ball and realizes when I’m just not on my
game and need a break. All diabetics need someone like that. In my
opinion, your person plays no less essential a role on your team than
the medical professionals.
In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the other
team members you might collect along the way. Here are a few:
podiatrist, eye/retina specialist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist,
diabetes counselor or support group, psychologist/psychiatrist,
dermatologist, dentist, orthopedist, nephrologist. Don’t be afraid to
do your research and ask for recommendations. You do it when
you’re looking for a plumber, so you should definitely be picky when
looking for a doctor. There’s no embarrassment in switching to find
the right fit for you.
Good luck assembling your team. Play to win, but be kind to yourself!
For questions, comments, or more information on diabetes
education and management at CMAG Health Solutions, LLC, please
email joannag@cmaghealth.com.