Many health care professions work collaboratively to help a patient manage diabetes. Below are examples of a few of the professionals involved in the management of diabetes:

• Medical Laboratory Technologists: test the blood and urine samples that are collected from patients.
• Electroneurophysiology Technologists: examine the extent of nerve damage caused by diabetes (neuropathy).
• Sonography Technologists: examine the changes in anatomy and function of organs damaged by diabetes. Structural changes to blood vessels or kidneys can be visualized. Heart function can be measured as diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease (see Heart Failure chapter for an interview with a sonographer).
• Prosthetic and Orthotic Technicians: create devices to help with the mobility of a person with diabetes. Sometimes, diabetic neuropathy cause impaired sensation and/or weakness resulting in difficulty with walking and balance. If amputation is required, a prosthetic can be custom created to help the patient to regain mobility.
• Nurse educators: help people with diabetes to learn about their disease and how best to manage it. Nurses specialized in diabetic education can create customized care plans including diet recommendations, taking medication, foot care, etc. 
• Dietitian: prescribe diet plan and help in managing blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes.

 

Section Review

Patients living with DM will need to take their disease into consideration when they go through their daily activities and long term plans. To help patients live a healthy life, many health care professionals will interact with the patient to help them manage normal blood sugar levels, dietary choices , and management. Health care professionals will also help monitor for possible effects on nerves, kidneys, and eyes. If a limb loses function or if amputation is necessary, a prosthetic/orthotic technologist can help the patient regain mobility and function.

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