You Have a Support Crew Working on Your Behalf
A team-based strategy provides a more holistic approach to patient care. Care coordination is especially important for people with chronic conditions, such
as diabetes. Some hospital systems have care coordinators to help coach, educate and motivate patients. “The goal is to help patients navigate and become better managers of their own healthcare,” says Kelli Chovanec, senior nursing director for Care Coordination Integration at the Cleveland Clinic. “The patient is in the middle and the providers are all rallying around him or her.”
Here are some other important members of the care team.
Diabetes educators Certified diabetes educators (CDEs) teach people how to understand, control and live with diabetes. Nurse educators and diabetes nurse practitioners are registered nurses who can show you how to take medications, check your blood sugar levels and manage your blood sugar when you’re battling a head cold or other illness.
Your pharmacist Before turning down the offer of prescription information at the pharmacy counter, keep in mind your pharmacist can provide valuable insight into your medications. Take advantage of the opportunity to get expert advice and recommendations, including how and when to take your medications, interactions with foods and potential side effects. Many pharmacies offer education programs and materials for people with diabetes.
Your peers Check with your doctor, nurses or local hospital to find a diabetes support group in your area. These meetings focus on the emotional and social issues of diabetes. People who have been managing the condition for a long time often have many lessons to share with people recently diagnosed. Diabetes may feel like a daily challenge, but remember there are people who can help you.
Be an Active Player
To improve outcomes tomorrow, it’s important to be an active participant in your care team today. Here are a few strategies:
- Ask questions when you don’t understand.
- Share important information with your provider, such as family history and recent changes in your health or your mood.
- Ask for help learning more about managing diabetes.
