The Importance of Having a T1D Success Team
The new year has arrived! It’s the perfect excuse to get your affairs in order when it comes to your diabetes…and nope, this isn’t one of those resolutions you can make and then forget about in a couple of weeks. Listen up, t1d’s! One of the most important things for any t1d is having a strong support system. It's critical to have people in your life who can help you manage your condition, provide emotional and moral support, and serve as a reminder to stick with your health plan. A diabetes educator, health coach, pharmacist, and doctor are all important people to have in your success team.
What does a diabetes educator do?
A diabetes educator can help you understand the basics of managing T1D, provide up-to-date information on nutrition and exercise, offer guidance on adjusting medications, and develop a plan to manage diabetes-related stress.
How can a health coach help me manage t1d?
A health coach will provide personalized support to help you track your glucose levels and identify behaviors that may interfere with your diabetes management. They'll also be there to help you stay motivated when things get tough.
A diabetes health coach can provide personalized guidance on topics such as:
- Medication management
- Healthy eating/nutrition plans
- Teaching healthy behaviors
- Identifying triggers for low blood sugar
- Setting achievable goals
- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce risk factors associated with having diabetes
A good diabetes health coach will also connect their clients with specialists if necessary!
Why is a reliable pharmacist so important for T1Ds?
A pharmacist is an invaluable resource for t1d’s, as they can provide advice on the proper use of insulin and other medications, as well as offer support in managing potential drug interactions. They can also provide valuable information about the latest diabetes-related products and technologies.
Why is my primary care doctor key to my t1d success team?
Finally, your doctor is an integral part of the success team - they can monitor your progress, adjust your plan as needed, and provide timely medical advice or referrals to specialists.
Your primary care doctor will ensure that you're receiving the most up-to-date information and advice regarding t1d and access to the best treatments available. You can discuss any concerns or changes in your health with them and they can order tests and adjust medications as necessary. Staying in touch with your doctor also gives you access to a range of healthcare professionals, including dietitians and endocrinologists, who can help provide additional support to your success team!
A success team can help you better manage t1d
Having a strong support system is essential for anyone living with t1d. Taking the time to build relationships with the people in your life who are there to help you stay healthy and manage your condition is an important step toward long-term success.
So don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help - it could make all the difference!