Diabetes Management From Your Primary Care Provider
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects 1 in 10 Americans. Because of the complexity of diabetes, it may be necessary to seek out specialized care. Usually, specialized care for diabetics involves a team of medical care professionals.
While many do not know, primary care providers play a significant role in these medical teams. General practitioners (PCPs) play crucial roles in this group by conducting diagnostic tests and physical examinations and providing medications to assist you in managing your diabetes.
In this article, we’ll discuss the value of including a primary care physician (PCP) in your strategy for managing diabetes.
Who Is a Primary Care Provider?
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first point of contact for patients in the healthcare system. Since they treat a wide range of common medical issues, a primary care physician is also known as a general physician.
These are the doctors you see when you have medical issues that are not emergencies. That is when you have concerns about infections, a chronic illness, or medications,
A primary care dr is usually a family physician or a general medicine physician. Sometimes, nurses and physician assistants may provide primary care. However, when a nurse or physician assistant provides primary care, they are called primary care providers and not primary care physicians.
These professionals provide routine checks and preventive treatment to help patients avoid health problems.
The Role of a Primary Care Physician in Diabetes Management
The following are some of the biggest reasons you should have a general practitioner doctor on your care team.
- Primary Care Physicians Understand the Patient Best
Most of the time, your primary care physician is the specialist who knows you best. Other specialists may know you as a patient. However, your general practitioner has a relationship with you.
With this relationship, they have a clear overview of your medical history and personal habits that may affect your blood sugar levels. As such, the primary care dr can provide tailored treatment to suit your case.
Since your PCP knows you better than other specialists, they can advise you on staying healthy via preventative measures, including health screenings and alterations to your daily routine. If they keep a close eye on your health, they will be able to detect any changes sooner.
- They Help You Avoid Complications
Diabetes is a serious condition that may lead to complications like kidney failure, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, nerve damage, foot damage, etc.
However, your primary care doctor or nurse can recognize the signs of these complications. Even in its earliest stages, when you may not see any symptoms, your PCP is already looking for warning signals.
Since they are familiar with the outcomes of your regular checkups and your risk of any inherited disorders, they can reduce the likelihood that you’ll suffer from complications. They help reduce the risk of illness complications by doing the following:
- Your primary care physician will not abandon you to your own devices when dealing with diabetes or any other chronic illness. Instead, you and your doctor will work together to create a treatment strategy. Such a strategy will consider your priorities and needs while also considering the specifics of your disease.
- Your primary care physician (PCP) may prevent your disease from worsening by providing services, including helping you deal with drug side effects and conducting frequent checkups.
- If your primary care physician encounters a situation that calls for expert treatment, they will have access to a wide range of specialists to whom they may refer you. They may refer you to a breast health expert or oncologist, for instance, if the results of your yearly mammography come back suspicious.
When your primary care physician prevents complications by treating you early, they often reduce costs. Without a primary care dr, patients often spend unnecessary time and money in the hospital’s emergency department.
- A Primary Care Doctor Is Easily Accessible
Diabetes is one health condition that requires frequent hospital visits. For instance, if you have Type 1 diabetes and are on insulin injections. Doctors expect that you have check-ins every three to four months.
For those with Type 2 diabetes who are currently being treated with lifestyle modifications or oral medicines, doctors expect that they visit every 4 to 6 months. However, people that have issues maintaining a healthy blood sugar level or complications may require more frequent visits.
In such situations, specialist care may not be available. However, a primary care physician can fill such spaces. Your primary care physician (PCP) will track your progress from one visit to the next and refer you if needed.
How to Find a Primary Care Doctor
Now you know how important it is to have a primary care dr. The next big question is how to get a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner.
When considering potential primary care physicians, it’s crucial to select a competent PCP that suits your personality and accepts your insurance plan. That way, you feel more comfortable with them and build a long-term relationship.
To find the right PCP, you can try the following ideas:
- Consult reliable sources like close friends, family, and neighbors.
- Find a doctor in your area by searching a national internet directory. Such databases are made available by organizations like the American Board of Family Medicine.
- Ask your insurer for local doctors that accept your health insurance plan.
- Inquire with other medical experts you know, including your dentist, nurse, or other doctors.
Conclusion
Your primary care physician is a member of a specialized care team that can cater to all your healthcare requirements. They promote healthy living and manage people with diabetes to avoid complications
Do your homework and choose a primary care doctor who is a good fit for you if you haven’t already. You’ll get the most outstanding care possible thanks to the familiarity and consistency of your treatment.
FAQS
What Are the Benefits of Having a Primary Care Physician?
Your primary care physician (PCP) can assist you in maintaining your health and be the first line of defense should any health issues occur.
When Is it Necessary to Visit a Specialist?
When dealing with diabetes, seeing a specialist is not always essential. A significant number of individuals who have type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels on their own, in the comfort of their own homes.
However, you may need a specialist when a complication occurs, or the individual has concerns that a general physician cannot counsel them on. Either way, a general physician will refer you if they feel it’s necessary.
Who Are the Professionals in a Diabetes Care Team?
A typical diabetes care team includes a range of professionals. These professionals include endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, pharmacists, dentists, registered nurses, registered dieticians/nutritionists, and many more. However, your primary care physician, who runs all the tests, examines you and writes the prescriptions, will be the backbone of your diabetes care team.
