Education & Care Team

DNIG Educator Information

Diabetes care does not happen without team effort. Communication between the patient and his or her health care team is essential for the development of effective self-care behaviors. Because of the complexity of the disease, today a multidisciplinary approach to care is considered the norm.

1. The Family Physician:
• usually he/she is the person making the diagnosis;
• he/she provides care on an on-going basis;
• it is essential that he or she is familiar with the current standards of care and treatment;
• he/she coordinates care in conjunction with the other team members;
• he/she refers to other professionals as necessary.


2. The Nurse Educator / Diabetes Educator:
• provides individualized education and care to patient and family, and allows patient to take direction in self-care behaviors;
• teaches skills necessary in self-care management;
• may function as the primary contact for patient and family members;
• plays an important advocacy role in assisting patients and families in communicating with physicians and other team members.


3. The Dietitian:
• may also be a Certified Diabetes Educator;
• provides individualized education that allows client to balance food as a major self-care behavior;
• develops, implements and assesses dietary management strategies.


4. Endocrinologist:
• many people with diabetes see an endocrinologist on a regular basis;
• In some centers, the endocrinologist may only be consulted on referral from the team physician;
• assists in assessing, planning and evaluating self-management behaviors;
• makes recommendations based on evaluation, and communicates with other members of the team.


5. Pharmacist:
• records and assesses pharmacy profile;
• advises on the safe administration of medications;
• may provide diabetes education in the pharmacy to teach self-care behaviors; may be a Certified Diabetes Educator.


6. Psychologist / Social Worker:
• usually only seen on consultation;
• may see special groups on a routine basis (adolescents, small children, people with psychological concerns);


7. Chiropodist / Podiatrist:
• assists in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of feet for prevention of serious problems.


8. Ophthalmologist:
• should be seen at least once yearly for assessment of usual status.


9. Nephrologist:
• seen for consultation if kidney impairment is suspected.


10. Neurologist:
• seen on consult if neurological problems are suspected.


11. Laboratory Facilities:
• sometimes provides service in patients homes;
• assists in assessing accuracy of personal blood glucose meters;
• accessible, personable laboratory personnel are important and frequently seen by patient and family.


12. Canadian Diabetes Association:
• offers support services for patient and family.