top of page
Search

Your Diabetes Care Team: Specialists

Lillian Simon, BSN, RN, NBC-HWC



In this follow-up article, we will continue to build your diabetes care team. As you grow older, your diabetes needs may change or complications may develop. The following list contains specialists and other professionals whom you might see depending on your specific needs and circumstances.  


Specialists

In this section, we have listed providers who specialize in different areas of the body that a person with diabetes (PWD) might see.


Audiologist

Hearing loss is more common in PWD, especially among younger people. If you experience hearing difficulties, ask your primary care provider (PCP) for a referral to an audiologist, who is a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing and balance problems (1,4,5).  

 

Role

  • Screens for hearing loss

  • Evaluates balance issues 

  • Finds and fits you for hearing aids

  • Educates you on managing hearing and noise

 

When to start

  • If you notice hearing changes

  • If you have problems with balance, including falls or almost falling

 

How often

  • Every year, or more often if needed


Cardiologist 

Heart disease is more common in PWD, especially in Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian communities. Usually, your PCP or endocrinologist may manage your heart-related issues. If they can’t, they will refer you to a cardiologist, who is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for the heart and blood vessels. They manage conditions like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and abnormal heart rhythms using medications, tests (like EKGs), and non-surgical methods. While they work closely with heart surgeons, cardiologists themselves generally do not perform open-heart surgery (1). 


Role

  • Evaluates, treats, and manages conditions related to the heart and blood vessels

 

When to start

  • If your PCP refers you

  • Abnormal EKG tests

  • Chest pain, heart disease, or difficulty lowering risk factors for heart disease

 

How often

  • Every year, or more often if needed


Gynecologist (OB-GYN)

An OB-GYN is a medical doctor who specializes in women’s health throughout their lifespan. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15, where they focus on building a relationship rather than having a physical exam (6). If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant or are pregnant, it’s vitally important to see your OB-GYN to discuss how to manage your diabetes while you’re pregnant, monitor for pregnancy-related risks, and adjust medications (1). 

 

Role

  • Manages menstrual concerns, contraception, reproductive health, and menopause

  • Screens for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other gynecologic conditions

  • Provides specialized care for PWD during pregnancy 

 

When to start

  • Between the ages of 13 to 15 or earlier if sexually active

  • Thinking of becoming pregnant or currently pregnant

  • Immediately if experiencing issues

 

How often

  • Every year for routine exams

  • More frequently during pregnancy or if issues arise


Nephrologist 

Diabetes is the main cause of kidney disease (7). So, regularly monitoring the kidneys is vital. If protein keeps showing up in your urine tests, your PCP will refer you to a nephrologist. Nowadays, certain diabetes medications can help to protect the kidneys from further damage (1). 

 

Role

  • A medical doctor who specializes in kidney health

 

When to start

  • If tests show persistent protein (albumin) in the urine

  • If kidney function begins to decline

 

How often

  • Typically every 6–12 months

  • More frequently if issues arise 


Podiatrist (DPM)

A podiatrist, also known as a foot doctor, is a specialized doctor who treats foot problems and nerve damage (neuropathy). They also perform foot surgeries. Foot problems can escalate quickly in diabetes when glucose levels are consistently high, damaging nerves and blood vessels. Regular foot care reduces the risk of severe infections that could turn into an amputation. If you’re a smoker and have a history of nerve damage, poor circulation, or structural foot problems, you are at high risk for serious infections and amputation. You need to see a podiatrist regularly for lifelong checkups and prevention to keep your feet safe and healthy (1). 

 

Role

  • Checks for nerve damage, circulation issues, and foot deformities

  • Treats calluses, wounds, and infections

  • Provides preventive foot care

  • Performs foot surgeries

 

When to start

  • Smokers who have a history of nerve damage, poor circulation, or structural foot problems 

 

How often

  • Annually for routine exams, if you’re a smoker

  • More frequently, if you have a serious infection and are getting treatments

 

Mental Health Providers

Living with diabetes can be stressful. Mental health professionals can provide tools to help you navigate it more easily, while also addressing deeper mental and emotional challenges. Look for those who specialize in diabetes. They will best understand the complexities you deal with on a day-to-day basis and how that can affect your mental load and capacity. Here are some of the different types of mental health professionals (2-4,8,9) that you may run into:

  • Psychiatrists (MD, DO, or NP) are medically licensed providers who diagnose, treat, and prescribe psychiatric medications. 

  • Psychologists (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) usually conduct psychological testing and assessments, such as autism or learning disabilities, in addition to providing therapy. 

  • Clinical Social Workers (LCSW, LISW, or LICSW) provide therapy, case management, and community resources.   


Role

  • Provides emotional support, coping skills, and stress management

  • Only medical providers can prescribe medications 

 

When to start

  • At diagnosis, if feeling overwhelmed

  • Any time you need support 

 

How often

  • As needed—often weekly or biweekly


Other Healthcare Professionals

In this section, we have listed other healthcare professionals that PWD may have on their care team. 


Case Manager 

Case managers help you better manage your health by connecting you with the tools, resources, and providers that you need. They serve as the go-between and advocate for you so you can get the services you need. This helps to reduce urgent care, emergency, and hospital visits. They typically work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, insurance companies, and mental health facilities (10). 

 

Role

  • Coordinates access to care across multiple providers

  • Helps navigate insurance benefits, referrals, and access to supplies

  • Connects you to community resources

 

When to start

  • If you need help coordinating appointments or accessing resources

 

How often

  • As needed 


Fitness Professional

Exercise is an important tool in managing your glucose levels. Fitness professionals can create an exercise plan that works best for your fitness level, mobility, and goals. They can also teach you how to prevent low glucose levels during workouts. Exercise physiologists, personal trainers, or physical therapists are different types of fitness professionals (2-4). 


Role

  • Designs safe, effective exercise plans tailored to your health status

  • Helps improve strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness

  • Teaches how to prevent exercise‑related low glucose levels

 

When to start

  • At diagnosis, if you’re new to exercise

  • Any time you want to increase activity safely

 

How often

  • As needed - weekly or biweekly for structured programs

 

Health Coach 

Health coaches partner with you to empower you to reach your goals by discovering what motivates you, creating realistic steps, and overcoming roadblocks. They work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, insurance companies, corporate wellness programs, fitness facilities, and private practice (11). 

 

Role

  • Partners with you to set realistic goals 

  • Provides accountability between medical visits

  • Supports lifestyle changes such as nutrition, movement, sleep, or stress management

 

When to start

  • Whenever you want support in making changes or achieving goals

 

How often

  • Weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your preferences and goals


Hopefully, these two articles helped you become aware of the different types of healthcare providers, specialists, and professionals that a PWD might have on their care team. Remember, look for people who specialize in diabetes, especially those with a CDCES credential. A strong care team helps to better manage your diabetes, reduces complications, and gives you the kind of support, education, and early treatment you deserve to live a long, productive life. 


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 


  1. 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 


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


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



  1. Cummings H. Should my teen see an Ob-Gyn? Here’s what I tell parents. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Published March 2022. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/should-my-teen-see-an-ob-gyn-heres-what-i-tell-parents 


  1. ADA. Keep your kidneys healthy. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/kidney-care 


  1. NAMI. Types of mental health professionals. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published April 2020. https://www.nami.org/treatments-and-approaches/types-of-mental-health-professionals/ 


  1. American Psychological Association. What is the Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals 


  1. CMSA. What is a Case Manager? Case Management Society of America. https://cmsa.org/who-we-are/what-is-a-case-manager/ 


  1. National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching. What is a health coach? NBHWC. Published August 13, 2025. https://nbhwc.org/what-is-a-health-coach/ 


 
 
 
bottom of page