Learning About Certified Diabetes Educators

What is a certified diabetes educator?

Certified diabetes educators are health professionals who have special training to help you manage your diabetes. They may be:

• Registered nurses.
• Registered dietitians.
• Pharmacists.
• Social workers.
• Doctors.

Your diabetes educator will give you tips and help with daily diabetes care. They also may teach classes. These classes give you a chance to learn from and connect with others who have diabetes.

Why see a diabetes educator?

Your doctor wants you to get the personal support and help that a diabetes educator can give. And most insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost.

Learning is a key part of living with diabetes. A diabetes educator teaches about the most important parts of your care. You will learn about:

• Eating healthy meals.
• Being active.
• Taking medicine.
• Checking your blood sugar.
• Dealing with your feelings about having diabetes.

Your diabetes educator can help you find ways to live better with diabetes. And they can show you small changes that can make a big difference in your daily routine and your health. If you need to make a big change, they will be able to answer your questions and guide you though each step.

When should you see one?

It can be helpful to see a diabetes educator at certain points in your care. He or she can:

• Get you started when you're first diagnosed with diabetes.
• Check in once a year for a review of your health and daily routine.
• Show you how to handle a new health problem along with your diabetes.
• Help you work with a new health care team.