doctors and nurses

When first diagnosed you're likely to meet quite a few different health professionals and it can sometimes be a little difficult to decipher who does what, so below is a brief introduction to a typical medical team.

> Endocrinologist - you'll soon be calling them your 'endo'. A doctor that specialises in the endocrine system and the many hormones it produces, of which insulin is one. Most common disorders of this system are the different types of diabetes, but endocrinology also includes things like hypothyroidism and Graves disease. You need to find an endocrinologist who at least specialises in diabetes, and preferably one that sees mainly people with Type 1 diabetes. Reality Check has put together a list of endocrinologists around Australia who have been recommended by young people with diabetes - it's not every one in Australia but it's a good starting point - see <www.realitycheck.org.au/endos.htm> You may be lucky and find one who you get on well with when you're diagnosed, but if not, have a hunt around. Just go to a GP and ask them to write a referral once you find someone you want to try. If it works out well, a GP can write an 'Indefinite Referral' to save you getting that re-done regularly. Generally 2 - 4 visits per year to an endo is recommended - it coincides with major blood tests.

> Diabetes Nurse Educator - A nurse who has gained quite a bit of experience and has also done a 1-year post graduate certified degree specialising in diabetes. When you are diagnosed, it will most likely be a diabetes educator who will work with you to give you intensive education about the basics - how to do an injection, how to use your blood glucose monitor. They will then be your font of knowledge for all those niggling questions which come up. Weekly, if not daily visits for the first weeks and months will probably be necessary. 'Educators' can be found at major public hospitals in most large cities. As well as many private ones. The best place to start is to phone your nearest big public hospital during business hours and ask to be put through to the 'Diabetes Educator on call'. Probably a little easier to get hold of than the endocrinologist or local doctor, especially in cases of emergency.

> Dietitian - Part of the initial education team. Food is a big part of diabetes so make sure you ask lots of questions and get the answers to questions like "how much insulin do I need to eat pizza and chips?". You may get a funny look but this is not an unreasonable question so make sure you ask it or whatever you need to. Be honest about what your favourite foods are and try to find a way to work your diabetes around them, even if it's not as regularly as before. You will most likely be directed towards a Low GI diet - check out < www.glycemicindex.com > for some background.

> Ophthalmologist - Later down the track you will need to find one who specialises in eye care for diabetes. You need to go for a check up every two years.

> Head Stuff - unfortunately counsellors and psychologists who specialise in diabetes are thin on the ground but if you're stressed out and need someone to just blurt at, ask to see the social worker or health counsellor at your big local hospital.

> Endocrinology Registrar - A fully trained doctor who is just finalising his/her specialist training in endocrinology. It might sound like they're not your best choice - but think about it - they just finished med school this century so should be right up to speed with the latest and greatest!
 

Get yourself a great team of health professionals. People who you feel comfortable to ask questions. It might take some time, and even a few tries to find a team that works for you, but persist. It is definitely worth it. <