If you have Type 2 diabetes, knowledge is certainly power and can be gained from many sources... so let's explore your major options.
The first point of contact with answers to your questions is your endocrinologist. He'll usually be the person who first diagnoses your condition and will advise you how to proceed and the options you have to help you control both your blood sugar levels and your body weight.
Most endocrinologists work with a diabetes educator. The educator can spend time with you, teaching you the correct use of your blood glucose meter. He'll teach you what the readings mean and what to do if they're too high or too low.
Your general practitioner can advise you as you'll see him more frequently than your endocrinologist. Never be afraid of asking questions.
Here's a list of other specialists you may visit if your Type 2 diabetes is causing you problems...
1. a podiatrist will care for your feet more effectively than you can yourself. He'll check your pulse to ensure its strong. If it's not, you may have edema and/or blood clots needing to be treated promptly before they cause additional problems such as swelling. You may have cuts or bruises that need treating before they get worse.
2. an optician or ophthalmologist may be the person who detects your Type 2 diabetes while doing a routine eye inspection. Sometimes cataracts or glaucoma issues occur as a prelude to diabetes.
You may consult other specialists such as...
- hematologist,
- dermatologist,
- dietitian,
- neurologist,
- psychologist, and
- various other experts.
They can provide additional knowledge about Type 2 diabetes and your specific symptoms.
Apart from consulting various medical people and family and friends, you can do your own research through the internet. Google can be useful because you can search for answers at any time and target specific symptoms.
Google can save you money by reducing your number of medical appointments. It can also reinforce the information given you by one your doctors and offer more detailed information. However, its best to not use information gained from the internet without first seeking expert advice. It's an invaluable additional source of knowledge as a back-up for medical advice and it will help you better manage your condition and blood sugar levels generally.
Knowledge is power. Imagine you're a soldier going into battle. You'll have guns, knives, grenades, and various other "tools" to help you fight. Type 2 diabetes and fighting unstable blood sugar levels is a battle and knowledge obtained from your specialists and the internet are tools to help you keep the enemy at bay.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
By Beverleigh H Piepers
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