Diabetes is a complex disease, and therefore its treatment usually requires the skills and experience of multiple healthcare professionals. If you are inflicted with diabetes, you may see one or more of the following professionals:

Internist — Specialists in all conditions affecting the internal organs, internists commonly treat diabetes and typically act as a primary care physician for many people affected by diabetes.

Endocrinologist — While your healthcare journey for diabetes likely will begin with a primary care provider, you may need to see an endocrinologist early on for a more precise diagnosis, or later as the disease progresses.

Podiatrist — These feet specialists can help diabetics manage common foot health problems, such as wounds and numbness. A condition that disrupts how the nerves in the feet and lower legs communicate with the brain, patients with poorly controlled blood sugar levels are more likely to develop a condition called diabetic neuropathy.

Dietitian or Nutritionist — You may need to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to make sure you’re getting the right balance of nutrients while tightly controlling your blood sugar levels as controlling your diet is a major component of effectively managing diabetes.

Ophthalmologist — As elevated blood sugar levels can damage the retina and other delicate structures in the eye, eye care becomes critical for diabetic patients.

Nephrologist — Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the mid-back that remove toxins from the blood, and nephrologists care for the kidneys. Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing kidney disease, so nephrologists are often seen when these problems arise.

Cardiologist — Heart disease and diabetes often go hand-in-hand because they share so many risk factors. As a result, at some point during the course of their treatment many diabetics end up seeing a heart specialist. Despite a diabetes diagnosis, a cardiologist can help counsel you on how to keep your heart as healthy as possible.

Neurologist — People with diabetes are much more likely to suffer strokes. To address the issue and prevent future strokes, you’ll likely need to work with a neurologist. Neurologists are experts in nerves, and some may focus on other aspects of the nervous system while others center their practice on the brain. Called peripheral neuropathy, they can also help diabetics manage nerve damage in the extremities.

Physiatrist or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician — Also called physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, physiatrists can help diabetics who need rehabilitative care get back to a better state of health. This may become particularly important if the person struggling with diabetes has had a stroke and needs to regain the capacity to talk or walk.

While there is no cure for diabetes, it is able to be productively managed. Through proper diet and exercise, normal blood sugar levels can be attained and maintained without the use of medications. This does not, however, mean you are cured, but symptoms will be minimized.

People with diabetes need to see their doctor more or less often depending on what kind of treatment they are receiving. Those who are treated with insulin shots generally see their doctor at least every three to four months, whereas those who are managing diabetes through diet or are treated with pills are usually seen at least every four to six months.

If you or someone you know is looking for a top-rated diabetes doctor, come to Suburban Healthcare Associates today! Our kind and compassionate staff are experienced in treating people with diabetes, and can help you better manage your condition. For more information, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. You can also visit our website or speak with us over the phone to book an appointment today. We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Woodridge IL, Wolfs IL, Warrenville IL, Crystal Lawns IL, Romeoville IL, Lockport IL, Crest Hill IL, Shorewood IL, Gilletts IL, and Fairmont IL.