Your Diabetes Care Team: Core Providers

Written by: Lillian Simon, BSN, RN, NBC-HWC

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment that can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. Since diabetes affects many parts of the body, having a strong, coordinated care team can help you feel supported, stay healthy, and prevent or delay complications. This is especially important for people of color, who often face higher rates of diabetes and more barriers to care. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a coordinated team‑based approach to help you get the best results¹.

This article discusses the eight essential members of your diabetes care team, what they do, when to start seeing them, and how often you might see them.

The Most Important Team Member: YOU!

You are the most important team member on your diabetes care team. Every day you make multiple decisions to manage your diabetes, such as monitoring your glucose levels, making food choices, taking medications, and noticing any changes in your body. This valuable information helps you and your healthcare team determine if the current treatment plan is working, if adjustments are needed, and then make treatment decisions together ².  

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

A PCP oversees your overall health, provides preventive services, and coordinates care with other healthcare providers. They are usually your first point of contact when you experience a new health issue. In fact, a PCP may have first diagnosed you with diabetes and started you on your first diabetes medication. Some PCPs may continue to manage a person with diabetes (PWD). However, if complications arise, they may refer you to an endocrinologist to manage your diabetes. If this happens, then you may see your PCP as little as once a year at your annual physical exam^2-4. 

Role

• First point of contact

• Coordinates referrals to specialists

• Manages routine care, medications, screenings, and annual physical exams

• General knowledge on a variety of health issues, but will refer to a specialist when things get complex

Frequency

• Every 1–12 months, depending on needs and complexity

• More frequent visits if starting new medications or experiencing complications

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is sometimes referred to as a “diabetes specialist” or “diabetes doctor.” They are well-versed in figuring out the best medication and treatment routine to help get your A1C within your desired target range to prevent or delay complications. Ideally, every PWD would benefit from having an endocrinologist on their healthcare team^2-4.

Role  

• Medical doctors who are experts in managing diabetes 

• Commonly referred to as the “diabetes specialist” or “diabetes doctor”

When to start seeing one

• Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

• Frequent low blood glucose levels

• Difficulty in achieving target A1C 

• Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant

• Complications that require advanced management

Frequency

• Every 3–6 months, or more often for medication adjustments

Diabetes Educator (CDCES, CDE)

A diabetes educator can be a registered nurse, registered dietitian nutritionist, or any other licensed healthcare provider who has extensive experience in caring for PWD, which is demonstrated by passing a rigorous board exam. They teach you the skills and knowledge you need to better manage your diabetes on a daily basis by helping you problem-solve issues with your glucose levels, troubleshoot tech issues, and reduce complications so you can live a long, manageable life with diabetes. Their appointment times are usually longer than those you typically have with a medical provider^1-4. 

Role

• Teaches and troubleshoots glucose level management

• Helps with insulin, pumps, and continuous glucose monitors

• Supports lifestyle changes and self‑management

• Helps with problem‑solving

When to start seeing one

• At diagnosis

Frequency

• Every year 

• Whenever treatment changes

• Whenever challenges arise

• Whenever you have changes in your life

Pharmacist (PharmD) 

A pharmacist advises you on medications, how to take them, costs, and potential interactions with other medications or supplements. They can also tell you how other medications, including over-the-counter medications, may affect your glucose levels^1-4. 

Role

• Explains how medications work

• Checks for medication interactions, safety, and dosing

• Provides guidance on over‑the‑counter medications that may affect glucose levels

When to start

• At diagnosis

• Any time medications change

How often

• As needed 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN, RD)

RDNs are highly trained nutritional experts who must pass a national exam and maintain ongoing professional education. They provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT), which is specialized nutritional counseling for people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. Studies have shown that PWD who engage in MNT can decrease their A1C by up to 2%¹. Look for an RDN who specializes in diabetes or has a CDCES^1-4. 

Role

• Provides nutrition education to help guide you on how to create meals that fit your culture, budget, and lifestyle

• Provides MNT to help you manage your glucose levels

• Helps with weight management

• Teaches you how to read food labels

When to start

• At diagnosis

How often

• As needed

Eye Specialist

Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness, making regular eye exams essential. The ADA recommends annual comprehensive and dilated eye exams to screen for diabetes-related retinopathy. Retinopathy is a serious, damaging eye condition that can lead to blindness caused by consistently high blood sugar. Usually, people don’t experience any symptoms until it’s too late. Thus, yearly eye check-ups are important, which can be done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist^1-4. 

Role

• Optometrists (OD) provide essential eye care, diabetic eye exams, prescriptions for eyeglasses and contacts, and diagnose and treat some eye diseases. For more complex issues, see an ophthalmologist⁴. 

• Ophthalmologists (MD or DO) are medical doctors who specialize in comprehensive eye care. In addition to what an optometrist can do, they also treat all eye diseases, prescribe medications, and perform eye surgery⁴. 

When to start

• Type 1 diabetes: 5 years after diagnosis¹

• Type 2 diabetes: At diagnosis¹

How often

• Every year

• More often, if abnormalities are found

Dentist (DDS or DMD)

The ADA recommends that you see a dentist at least once a year. During that time, the dentist will check the health of your mouth, including your gums and teeth. Even if you don’t have any teeth or wear dentures, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. By keeping your mouth clean, you can help to keep your blood sugar within target. To keep your mouth healthy, the dentist may recommend coming in at least every six months for a dental cleaning, which is usually performed by a dental hygienist. However, if you have gum disease, you may have to come in more frequently^1-4. 

Role

• Dentists are licensed doctors who diagnose, treat, perform dental procedures, prescribe medicine, and adjust dentures

• Dental hygienists work under the dentist’s supervision. They clean your teeth, remove plaque, and take X-rays. 

When to start

• At diagnosis

How often

• Every year with the dentist 

• Every 6 months for dental cleaning 

• More often if periodontal (gum) disease is present

These core healthcare providers are professionals you would typically see throughout the year to best manage your diabetes. In the next article, we’ll take a look at other healthcare providers and professionals that you may see if needed or when complications arise.

A note from DiD: Looking for providers who understand diabetes and the lived experiences you face? Visit the Diversity in Diabetes Care Directory to find healthcare professionals specializing in inclusive, culturally responsive diabetes care. We’re continuing to grow our directory and expand access to serve our community better. Explore the directory and take the next step in strengthening your diabetes care team. www.diversityindiabetes.org/care-directory

References

1. Bajaj M, McCoy RG, Balapattabi K, et al. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2025;49(Supplement_1):S1-S371. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/49/Supplement_1 

2. North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Diabetes Care Team Members. North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Published February 19, 2014. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/public-health-information/diseases-conditions-and-immunization/north-dakota-diabetes-prevention-4-2 

3. ADA. Your health care team. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/diabetes-and-your-health/your-healthcare-team 

4. CDC. Your diabetes care team. Diabetes. Published May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/diabetes-doctors.html