If you are a diabetic, you need to work closely with a primary care physician, especially if you want to manage your blood glucose levels and lower your risk of diabetes-related complications. Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have to put a stop to your life. Most diabetics go on to live happy, active, and fulfilling lives, and it’s largely a matter of the type of support system they have.
When choosing a physician to help manage diabetes, choose a qualified healthcare professional. Below,we will discuss some of the important things you should look for in a primary care physician, and where you can go in Rochester Hills to find personalized chronic disease management services for your diabetes.
Expertise and Qualifications
Look for a physician who specializes in diabetes management and has extensive experience in treating patients with diabetes. Check their credentials, certifications, and educational background to ensure they have the necessary expertise in the field of diabetes care.
Great Communication Skills and Empathy
Effective communication is crucial in diabetes management. Find a physician who listens attentively, explains medical concepts clearly, and actively involves you in decision-making regarding your treatment plan. An empathetic and understanding physician who takes your concerns seriously can make a significant difference in your diabetes care journey.
Collaborative Approach
Diabetes management requires a team effort. A good primary care physician should be willing to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, podiatrists, and other specialists, to give you comprehensive care. When creating a treatment plan, they should also take into account your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
Continuity of Care
Diabetes is chronic and requires long-term management. Therefore, choose a primary care physician who offers continuity of care, which could mean ample availability for follow-up appointments, continuous monitoring of your progress, and adjusting treatment plans, if necessary.
Accessible and Highly Responsive
Diabetes management often involves making timely decisions and adjustments and addressing new symptoms that may develop. For treatment to be effective, the physician needs to be highly accessible and responsive. They should make it easy for you to reach out with questions or concerns between appointments andpromptly address your current needs, which can go a long way in preventing serious complications.
Comprehensive Diabetes Services
Diabetes care extends beyond medication management. Consider a physician who offers comprehensive diabetes services, including regular check-ups, diabetes education, insulin pump therapy, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) support. Having access to a variety of resources and services can enhance the management of your condition.
Emerging Therapies and Technologies
Diabetes treatment options continue to evolve. Look for a physician who stays up to date with the latest research, advancements, and emerging therapies in diabetes management. They should be knowledgeable about new medications, insulin delivery systems, glucose monitoring devices, and other technologies that can improve diabetes care.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, play a crucial role in diabetes management. A good doctor should provide guidance, support, and resources to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes. They should be knowledgeable about nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and behavior modification techniques.
Mental Health Support
Living with diabetes can have a significant impact on mental health. Seek a primary care physician who acknowledges the mental, emotional, and social implications of diabetes and incorporates strategies to support your mental well-being. They may refer you to counseling or support groups or offer resources for stress management and coping with the emotional challenges of diabetes.
Finding the right primary care physician is a personal decision that should align with your individual needs and preferences. There are quite a number of physicians who offer chronic disease management services, and it’s advisable to meet with potential doctors for an initial consultation to gauge their compatibility with your goals and expectations.
Diabetes Management Services at an Urgent Care Clinic
An urgent care center may be the last place you’d think of to seek diabetes management services. While it’s true that most urgent care centers primarily focus on providing immediate care for acute conditions and minor injuries, some centers offer chronic disease management services, including diabetes management.
Here are a few ways in which an urgent care center can support patients with diabetes:
Acute Diabetes-Related Issues
Primary care physicians at urgent care centers can address acute issues related to diabetes management, such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They can provide immediate evaluation and interventions to help stabilize a patient’s blood sugar levels.
Medication Adjustments
Primary care physicians at urgent care centers can help with medication adjustments in certain situations. For example, if a patient with diabetes is experiencing medication-related side effects or requires temporary modifications to their medication regimen, the doctor may be able to provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan right away.
Diabetic Complications
Urgent care centers can evaluate and manage certain diabetic complications, such as skin infections, foot ulcers, or mild cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The doctors can provide wound care, prescribe antibiotics, or administer intravenous fluids,as necessary.
Referrals and Coordination with Other Specialists
Urgent care centers can facilitate referrals and coordinate care with primary care physicians or endocrinologists for ongoing diabetes management. They can communicate important findings, recommend follow-up appointments, and ensure continuity of care after the acute issue has been addressed.
Patient Education
Primary care physicians at urgent care centers can provide basic diabetes education and self-management guidance for patients. They can point you to educational materials, lifestyle counseling, and other resources to help you understand the importance of medication adherence, blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating habits, and physical activity in managing your condition.
Diabetes Care in Rochester, NY
Cornerstone Urgent Care Center is a walk-in clinic offering chronic disease management services for patients with diabetes. Our highly qualified physicians have emergency room (ER) experience, which means we are highly capable of handling a wide variety of non-life-threatening medical conditions.
At Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, we treat you like family and ensure you receive high-quality, personalized care in helping manage the symptoms of diabetes. For any questions, please call (585) 207-0088 or proceed to our clinic at 2968 Chili Avenue.
