The Care Team
AADE advocates the team approach to diabetes care, and we believe that no care team is complete without a diabetes educator.
Patients with diabetes often feel overwhelmed and adrift when they leave the doctor's office and return to their everyday routines. Even though they may have been given instructions about monitoring their health, taking proper medication and altering their lifestyles, patients still have trouble making the behavioral adjustments needed to manage their disease.
Because of the complexities and constant care associated with diabetes, patients must be thoroughly educated and strategically motivated to self-manage their disease. This process cannot be facilitated by one provider; a multi-disciplinary team is needed to educate, support and treat patients with diabetes.
Working alongside primary care physicians, endocrinologists, pharmacists, podiatrists and other healthcare professionals, diabetes educators are able to help patients set and achieve behavior change goals and create self-management plans tailored to meet individual lifestyle needs.
Together, the diabetes care team can ensure that every patient receives the highest quality care and improves his or her health outcomes.
AADE's awareness materials introduce patients to the care team.
Patients need to know that they are not alone with their diabetes, and that there is a team of people--including family and friends--who can offer them guidance and support.
The materials emphasize the importance of the care team and highlights the benefits of working with a diabetes educator to examine behaviors and develop management plans. Several educational resources are being distributed throughout the campaign, including a Self-Care Guidebook in English and Spanish.