Who You May See First

Your care team has many helpers, each with a different job.

Your primary care doctor looks after your whole health. At first, they often lead your care. Some people also see an endocrinologist. That is a doctor for hormones, the body's messengers.

A diabetes educator teaches daily skills, like home blood sugar checks. A dietitian is a food expert who helps you plan meals.

Bindu holds a folder across from three smiling people: a primary care doctor with a stethoscope, a diabetes educator holding a meter and a dietitian holding an apple. For each topic, a note flies from the folder to the right person, whose name badge shows. That person turns green and hands back a sheet with a tick. Whole health goes to the primary care doctor, who often leads your care at first. Home blood sugar checks go to the diabetes educator, who teaches daily skills. Planning meals goes to the dietitian, a food expert who helps plan meals.

Not sure who to see next? Ask your doctor who can help. Your doctor also decides if you need an endocrinologist.

Food questions can go to a dietitian. Questions about daily checks can go to your educator.

Asking is a normal part of your care. Ask them to explain anything that is not clear.

Question cards sort to the person who can answer them: your doctor, a dietitian or a diabetes educator.

Key takeaways

• A primary care doctor often leads your care at first.
• An endocrinologist focuses on hormones and diabetes care.
• Educators teach daily skills, and dietitians help with food that fits your life.

Try it

Today, write down one question to ask your doctor about who you should see next.