If you are diabetic, you need a health care team. As you know, a team consists of two or more people. You may think that your regular doctor can handle anything that comes up with your diabetes, and for the most part, you are right. However, there will be a need for some specialists at some point.

Obviously, your health care team includes your regular doctor. In fact, he acts as the nerve center of your medical team. When you see other types of doctors or specialists, those visits should be shared with your regular doctor, so that he can get the information in your main medical record. Your medical doctor will perform regular checkups and testing, prescribe needed medications, and deal with general illnesses.

You also need an optometrist. People who are diabetic are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which causes blindness. You need an annual eye exam, and you should be tested for diabetic retinopathy every three to five years. Again, the results of any testing should be sent to your medical doctor.

You need a podiatrist. Foot care is essential to diabetics. Diabetes has an adverse effect on the circulatory system, which in turn has a negative impact on the nerves, which has an impact on the feet. A simple cut on your foot could actually lead to amputation if you aren't careful. Any visits to your podiatrists should also be shared with your medical doctor.

You may need a nutritionist in the beginning. A nutritionist will work with you and your doctor to devise a meal plan for you. This is especially important if you need to lose weight. Remember that your diet is what will determine whether or not your blood sugar levels are in check -- so you need to know how to eat right.

You also need a dentist. As a diabetic, you are prone to infections of the gum and gum disease. You should have a checkup every six months, and any problems should be reported to your medical doctor.

Along the way, you may have a need for other specialists. However, if those occasions arise, your medical doctor will advise you of it, and will often make recommendations.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Diabetes and has helped thousands of diabetes sufferers control their blood sugar. For more articles and resources on easy diabetes management, natural diabetes medication, diabetes symptoms and much more visit his site at: http://diabetes.need-to-know.net/