Effective diabetes care is normally achieved by team work, between you and your diabetes care team. Looking after your diabetes and changing your lifestyle to fit in with the demands of diabetes is hard work, but you’re worth it.
You will not always get your care right, none of us does, but your diabetes care team is there to support you. Ask questions and request more information especially if you are uncertain or worried about your diabetes and/or treatment. Remember the most important person in the team is you.
The following list of responsibilities is given to help you play your part in your own diabetes care:
It is your responsibility:
- To take as much control of your diabetes on a day-to-day basis as you can. The more you know about your own diabetes, the easier this will become.
- To learn about and practice self-care which should include dietary education, exercise and monitoring blood glucose levels.
- To examine your feet regularly or have someone check them.
- To know how to manage your diabetes and when to ask for help if you are ill, eg chest infection, flu or diarrhoea and vomiting.
- To know when, where and how to contact your diabetes care team.
- To build the diabetes advice discussed with you into your daily life.
- To talk regularly with your diabetes care team and ask questions you may have.
- To make a list of points to raise at appointments, if you find it helpful.
- To attend your scheduled appointments and inform the diabetes care team if you are unable to do so.