Type 2 diabetes: building your care team
Type 2 diabetes is managed by a team. Here's who does what, from your GP to an endocrinologist, dietitian and podiatrist.
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body doesn't respond to insulin properly or doesn't make enough of it, so blood glucose (sugar) levels rise. Over time, high glucose can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet. With good management, many people live well with type 2 diabetes for decades.
Diabetes is best managed by a team, with your GP at the centre.
Who's on the team
- Your GP: diagnoses diabetes, arranges regular checks and blood tests, adjusts treatment and coordinates your care.
- Diabetes education: a credentialled diabetes educator helps you understand diabetes, check your glucose, use medicines or insulin and manage sick days.
- Dietetics: a dietitian helps with practical eating plans that suit your culture, budget and goals.
- Podiatry: a podiatrist checks your feet for nerve and circulation problems and helps prevent ulcers.
- Exercise physiology: an exercise physiologist builds a safe activity plan, which helps glucose control.
- Eye checks: an optometrist or Ophthalmology checks for diabetes-related eye damage.
- Endocrinology: an endocrinologist sees people whose diabetes is hard to control, complex or changing.
Psychology can help too. Living with a long-term condition can be stressful, and support for mood and motivation is a normal part of care.
Regular checks
People with diabetes have regular reviews of things like HbA1c (a blood test showing average glucose), blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, eyes and feet. Your GP will tell you how often each is needed.
Getting help with costs
Your GP may set up a chronic condition management plan. This can give you Medicare rebates for a limited number of allied health visits each year, such as a dietitian, podiatrist, exercise physiologist or diabetes educator. See Do I need a referral for a physio, psychologist or dietitian?.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) provides subsidised products such as glucose testing supplies, as well as information and support. Ask your GP or pharmacist about registering.
For an endocrinologist, you need a GP referral to claim a Medicare rebate. On Spec Book you can see which providers have the soonest appointments, and your GP can send the referral with the booking.
When to get urgent help
Call 000 or go to an emergency department if you have chest pain, signs of stroke, are very drowsy or confused, are vomiting and can't keep fluids down, or have a very high or very low glucose reading that isn't responding to your usual plan. See your GP within a day for a foot wound or ulcer that isn't healing.
Common questions
Do I need to see an endocrinologist?
Many people with type 2 diabetes are managed well by their GP and allied health team. Your GP will refer you if your diabetes is complex or hard to control.
Can type 2 diabetes go into remission?
Some people can bring their glucose back into a normal range, often with significant weight loss. It still needs ongoing checks, so talk to your GP.
Why do I need foot checks?
Diabetes can reduce feeling and blood flow in the feet, so small injuries can be missed and become serious. Regular checks help catch problems early.
General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.