How To Find A Diabetes Care Center Near Me
Has your loved one or care recipient been diagnosed with diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar (blood glucose) levels. Chronic conditions generally cannot be cured but can be managed and may go into remission.
Type 2 diabetes complications can be very serious and include kidney disease, heart disease, and more. Diabetes disease control is important for preventing these complications and for overall health and quality of life. In this article, we talk about:
- Who may be in your diabetes care team
- How to find a diabetes center that can provide care for your care recipient
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Primary Care & Your Diabetes Care Team
Good diabetes treatment may include a diabetes center, but it begins with your care recipient’s primary care provider. They should be screening them regularly for prediabetes and high blood sugar and will likely be the one to diagnose diabetes.
Their primary physician will continue to guide care, but for a complex disease like type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it helps to have a dedicated diabetes care team. As you look for a care center, be sure they have the right professionals on staff, including:
- Clinical endocrinologists, specialists in the endocrine system, hormones (like insulin), and diabetes
- Specialists in areas relevant to diabetes patients, like ophthalmologists for eye care and podiatrists for foot care
- Registered nurses or nurse practitioners, who help coordinate care
- Registered dietitians to help your loved one develop good nutrition habits
- Certified diabetes educators, who are certified professionals providing diabetes education to patients and their families
- Fitness professionals to help your care recipient get more active and manage their weight
If your care recipient does not have a dedicated diabetes care team yet, talk to their primary health care provider. Their doctor should be able to recommend a care team or care center, or direct them to other resources.
Local Hospitals & Health Systems
Another good place to look for care, whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes is your local health care centers. Major hospitals and health systems typically include a whole spectrum of health care professionals and specialists.
Many also offer multidisciplinary teams of health care providers for specific conditions or diseases, like diabetes, even if they don’t have a dedicated diabetes center.
You might want to stay within your care recipient’s current health system. This can make it easier to get referrals and recommendations. Also, consider their insurance. Be sure you choose a care center or team that is covered under their insurance company and plan.
Diabetes Education & Self Care
While the professional care team is essential to your care recipient’s wellness, self care and home care are also vital. A good diabetes education will position you and your care recipient to learn about the condition and the type of self management required to stay healthy and maintain stable blood glucose levels.
A certified diabetes educator is a good place to start. They can provide general information about prediabetes and diabetes. They can also offer a more tailored diabetes education to help you both manage day-to-day care. This may include organizing and taking medications and using various types of diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin injections, and insulin pumps.
Your care recipient’s care team or primary physician can refer you to a certified diabetes educator. The American Diabetes Association also has a tool to find diabetes education programs near you.
Main Takeaway
Managing diabetes can require significant home care. It also requires the expertise of a professional medical care team. Finding the right care can ensure your care recipient has the best team possible to help them live their best life.
References
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Find a diabetes education program. American Diabetes Association.
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Your health care team. American Diabetes Association.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About diabetes: Diabetes basics. CDC.
