Your Type 1 Diabetes Team
Who they are and what they help you with.
General Paediatrics
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a condition requiring a broad skill set and mutidiscplinary teamwork to mange successfully. General paediatricians are trained and skilled in holistic care of the child and family which is the cornerstone of successful management of chronic disease.
General Paediatric training includes managing the complex arrangement of family dynamics and family support, school and learning issues, behaviour and emotional disorders, growth and puberty and other paediatric conditions that may occur in the individual with Type 1 Diabetes. - Australian Paediatric Society
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist is your main type 1 diabetes specialist physician. You will meet with them at diagnosis and be in regular contact with them (or their team - sometimes via your Diabetes educator who works with them) , you will usually see them 4 times a year (every 3 months).
DIABETES EDUCATOR
A diabetes educator is a nurse that is trained in type 1 diabetes and works along side your Endocrinologist. You will also meet them at diagnosis and usually also see them at your quarterly appointment. They are usually your point of contact as well in regards to questions you have and they can either help you or speak with your Endo Dr and get back to you. In case of emergencies there will also be a DR at the hospital you can call so make sure you get that contact info before going home from the hospital.
DIETICIAN
You will likely meet with a dietician at the hospital after diagnosis once your child is stable and eating again. They will explain to you everything about carb counting , low carb foods and much more. You will likely have follow up appts with them so you can learn when you are ready about proteins, fats and how they affect how carbohydrates effect your blood sugar. If you do not see one publicly through your hospital , then you can speak to your GP to have subsided private dietician appts through a chronic health plan. Your child may also need to see a Food Therapist.
PHARMACIST
We recommend you find yourself a good pharmacy that is a NDSS access point and is happy to keep all your supplies well stocked for you (or able to order them in quickly for you). They are also then aware of other medications you may be on and advise if any of those may affect your BGL. Ensure they are subsidising your supplies correctly and question with the NDSS any concerns about charges. When you are first diagnosed you may not have your NDSS details yet or health card details yet so keep all receipts so you can apply for some reimbursements. When you do have your NDSS details and your health care card make sure you update your pharmacy with those details. Your pharmacist is where you will obtain your insulin, BGL meters and strips, ketone strips (stock up if you can as more often than not they are sold out due to people purchasing them for their diets … ) , as well as your pump & cgm items such as reservoirs, infusion sets and sensors (though most readers and the pumps are purchased elsewhere)
Counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or a social worker
Usually at diagnosis, in hospital, you may meet with a social worker who will help you with forms and applications for things like Centrelink and the like. They also can put you in touch with one of the above if you need to speak to someone. Whether that is for you or your child, diabetes is stressful on the entire family and its important to speak to someone. We have more on this here.
These next 4 are usually own seen once a year, they are seen more often if you are experiencing any issues in these areas due to high blood sugar levels.
NEPHROLOGIST
Kidney specialist , you can have your kidneys checked by your regular GP 1-2 times a year , if you show symptoms of kidney disease then you will be referred to a Nephrologist.
OPHTHAMOLOGIST
An annual eye check up is a must for diabetics to help with early detection of eye diseases that are caused by high blood sugar levels. If you do develop an eye complication, you will be referred to see a Ophthalmologist.
PODIATRIST
You likely would of heard of a Podiatrist before, they are a foot specialist. Unfortunately high blood sugar levels often lead to Diabetic Neuropathy which in short can cause you to loose feeling in your feet/legs and you may then injure yourself and lead to infection which also will not heal due to high BGL and can therefore lead to amputation. Its best to self check your feet often for ulcers, infections, cuts , lost sensations.
CARDIOLOGIST
Most deaths of patients with diabetes is due to cardiovascular disease, your GP or Endo will refer you to a cardiologist if needed. However you can arrange to see one to help maintain a healthy heart.