MNT is often implemented and monitored by a registered dietitian, in collaboration with physicians and other health professionals.

Multiple daily insulin injections or the use of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion CSII or insulin pump should be considered as part of an intensive diabetes management program.

PharmaCare covers insulin pumps for people with Type 1 diabetes or other forms of diabetes requiring insulin. PharmaCare covers supplies for insulin pumps, regardless of whether the pump was covered.

For more information visit PharmaCare for B. residents: Medical Devices and Supplies Coverage. Type 2 Diabetes 18 , A1C Glycosylated hemoglobin. ACEi Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. ARBs Angiotensin receptor blockers.

ASA Acetylsalicylic Acid. BMI Body Mass Index. CCS Canadian Cardiovascular Society. CGM Continuous Glucose Monitoring. CKD Chronic Kidney Disease. DM Diabetes Mellitus. DHP-CCB Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. DPP-4i Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 Inhibitors.

FGM Flash Glucose Monitoring. FPG Fasting Plasma Glucose. GLP-1 Glucagon-like Peptide. HDL-C High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. HF Heart Failure. IFG Impaired Fasting Glucose.

IGT Impaired Glucose Tolerance. LDL-C Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. MOBP Manual Office Blood Pressure. OGTT Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. SGLT2i Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors. SMBG Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose. T2DM Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. TG Triglycerides.

TZDs Thiazolidinediones. Diabetes Canada has several resources for practitioners and can be found at: guidelines. They also have the Diabetes Canada CPG Webinar Series available at: guidelines.

RACE: Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise Program — www. RACE means timely telephone advice from specialist for Physicians, Medical Residents, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, all in one phone call. Monday to Friday — Online at www. ca or though Apple or Android mobile device.

For more information on how to download RACE mobile applications, please visit www. Pathways — PathwaysBC. ca An online resource that allows GPs and nurse practitioners and their office staff to quickly access current and accurate referral information, including wait times and areas of expertise, for specialists and specialty clinics.

In addition, Pathways makes available hundreds of patient and physician resources that are categorized and searchable. General Practice Services Committee — www. Health Data Coalition: hdcbc. An online, physician-led data sharing platform that can assist you in assessing your own practice in areas such as chronic disease management or medication prescribing.

HDC data can graphically represent patients in your practice with chronic kidney disease in a clear and simple fashion, allowing for reflection on practice and tracking improvements over time.

HealthLinkBC: healthlinkbc. HealthLinkBC provides reliable non-emergency health information and advice to patients in BC. Information and advice on managing Diabetes in several languages is available by telephone, website, a mobile app and a collection of print resources.

People can speak to a health services navigator, registered dietitian, registered nurse, qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist by calling toll-free in B.

C, or for the deaf and hard of hearing. See also Associated Documents: Diabetes Patient Care Flow Sheet. Diabetes Patient Care Flow Sheet.

List of Contributors. This guideline was developed by the Guidelines and Protocols Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services, and adopted under the Medical Services Act and the Laboratory Services Act.

For more information about how BC Guidelines are developed, refer to the GPAC Handbook available at BCGuidelines. ca: GPAC Handbook. Email: hlth. guidelines gov.

Breadcrumb Home You Can Manage and Thrive with Diabetes Diabetes and Your Health Your Health Care Team. It may surprise you to learn that you are the most important member of your diabetes care team. You make the choices for: When and how you take medicine or inject insulin, if prescribed When you check your blood glucose blood sugar and how you track the results What food you make and eat When and how often you exercise And, of course, you are the first to notice any problems.

These can include: Primary Care Provider PCP : This doctor MD or DO , nurse practitioner NP or physician assistant PA gives you routine medical care, including physical exams, lab tests and prescriptions for medication. Endocrinologist : This doctor MD or DO specializes in diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system the system that produces hormones such as insulin.

Podiatrist DPM : This doctor, also known as a foot doctor, is trained to treat feet and lower leg problems. Dentist DMD or DDS : This doctor knows about oral care and is trained to take care of your teeth and gums. Talking to a registered dietitian nutritionist will help you use what you eat and drink as tools for managing your blood glucose.

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist CDCES : Previously known as Certified Diabetes Educators CDEs , these are health care providers with extensive training and experience working with people with diabetes, and who have passed a credentialed board exam.

They can help you figure out how to manage the things you need to do to take care of your diabetes, in a way that fits with your daily life, routines, environment and family dynamics. To work with an expert in a diabetes education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association, visit diabetes.

Mental Health Professional : This person may be a psychiatrist MD or DO , psychologist PhD or clinical social worker LCSW or LISW. These professionals can help you deal with the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes as well as more serious emotional issues.

Being consistent about what, when and how much you eat is crucial. And without the help of a nutritional expert, it can be frustrating and confusing. Registered dietitians undergo rigorous academic training and extensive practical experience.

Plus, they keep their food and nutrition knowledge up to date by completing continuing professional education programs. Learn more about what dietitians do and find one near you link opens in new window. Your pharmacist can be a valuable resource for education and information about the medications you take for diabetes and other conditions.

Pharmacists are trained in the science and clinical use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Endocrinologists treat people with endocrine gland disorders, such as diabetes, and thyroid diseases and hormonal disorders. In many cases, an endocrinologist may become the primary doctor to manage your diabetes.

A podiatrist is certified and trained to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions associated with the foot and ankle. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people with diabetes receive an annual foot exam. This loss of feeling may prevent patients from feeling heat, cold or pain; they can even get cut or otherwise injured on their feet and legs and not realize it.

Untreated cuts can lead to infections, ulcerations, and in severe cases, amputation. Your doctor may send you to a podiatrist to recognize and manage feet and leg issues early. Your visits may be more frequent if you have other foot-risk conditions.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists specialize in treating the eyes, which can be affected by diabetes. After that, yearly exams are recommended unless retinopathy is progressing. Cardiologists are doctors who are specially certified to treat problems of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and arteries.

Cardiologists also treat related conditions such as high blood pressure , high cholesterol , chest pain , heart failure , heart attacks , stroke , congenital heart defects and arrhythmia.

Because you may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, your primary care provider may refer you to see a cardiologist. Cardiologists may recommend a variety of tests to diagnose a patient's condition.

Nephrologists are doctors who specialize in disorders of the kidneys and diseases that affect them, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U. People with diabetes should have annual kidney screenings.

One test checks how much albumin protein is in your urine. Too much of it in your urine is a sign of kidney damage. A blood test can also show how well your kidneys are working. In addition to your health care team, your family and friends can be vital to managing your diabetes, helping with your emotional well-being, and supporting you in an emergency.

With diabetes, you often have important choices and items to remember about your health care. Having a friend or family member around could help you. Choose a member of your family to come with you to health care visits and help you manage your diabetes.

Your health care team is bound by law to keep your medical information confidential. But your family members may wish to speak with them and find support to deal with their feelings.

About Diabetes. Diabetes Complications and Risks. Diabetes Risk Factors. Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetes. Preventing and Treating Diabetes. Diabetes Tools and Resources. Get monthly science-based diabetes and heart-healthy tips in your inbox. Know Diabetes by Heart raises awareness that living with Type 2 diabetes increases risk for heart disease and stroke — and that people should talk with their doctor at their next appointment about ways to reduce risk.

Home Health Topics Diabetes Preventing and Treating Diabetes Working with Your Health Care Team. Play without Auto-Play Play Video Text. See your health care professionals as recommended. Your health care team Family doctor general practitioner If you have diabetes, you should see your family doctor more than once a year.

Supported by staff, your doctor will: Provide you with valuable information about diabetes and how to treat it. Focus on your diabetes problems and your overall health. Discuss making lifestyle changes to lessen the effects of diabetes and prevent complications.

Refer you to other professionals with specialized knowledge that can help treat diabetes and its effects. You may want to ask your doctor: What is my blood sugar level and what should my target number be? What is my blood pressure and what should my target number be?

What is my blood cholesterol and what should my target number be? Am I overweight or obese? How much weight should I lose? What are my risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or stroke? What are the warning signs? What types of foods should I eat?

What should I avoid? What are the best types of physical activities for me? How active do I need to be? What medications should I take to help manage my diabetes? Diabetes educators These health care professionals care for and educate people with diabetes.

Your appointments might look a bit different at the moment because of the coronavirus pandemic , but we've got lots of advice on what care to expect at this time. What healthcare professionals are involved in diabetes care? Here we take you through all the professionals you might meet and what they specialise in.

Your GP's role in your diabetes care may vary, but this is the doctor who is usually your first point of contact for any health concerns. Generally, they coordinate your care and can refer you to specialists.

If they're an expert in diabetes, you might see them a lot. However, some people attend a diabetes clinic instead. Be prepared so you can make the most of your appointments. They give support and advice between appointments with things like blood sugar checks and adjusting your medication.

They also usually help run patient diabetes group education courses like DESMOND. You may not need to see a diabetes specialist nurse, it depends on your treatment and personal situation..

A nurse from your GP surgery may support your diabetes care, depending on their specialist knowledge. This is doctor is a diabetes specialist. This is an expert in food and nutrition who can talk to you about the right diet for you as someone with diabetes.

This is an expert in feet and legs. They will oversee treatments and diagnose the types of retinopathy. You may never meet the ophthalmologist but they look at photos of your eyes after you go for your yearly eye screening. This is a qualified pharmacist at your pharmacy or chemist.

As well as giving you medicines and supplies on prescription, they can take a look at your medication and give you advice. Living with diabetes can be difficult. This will help you know how well your diabetes is being managed and take control of your own health. Or you can ask your GP for a new referral to a new team.

Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy. Most GP surgeries and diabetes clinics will have an out-of-hours service. Make sure you know what the numbers are so you can call if you need to.

Or call for an ambulance. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with no.