Published: 21 January, 2026 Everyone knows it feels good to have supportive people in your corner. If you have diabetes, building a team of diabetes health professionals not only feels good but is important for your long-term wellbeing and diabetes management. Your diabetes health professionals can help you stay on track, reduce complications, and increase your confidence in managing your diabetes. So, how do you build your diabetes support team? You are at the centre of your diabetes care You are the main decision maker in your diabetes care. Diabetes affects everyone differently, so choose health professionals who match your health needs and goals. Your diabetes health professional team may include: health professionals family and friends peer and community support groups You decide how to manage your diabetes each day. The more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel. Visit the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) website for free diabetes programs that can help you make informed choices and work with your diabetes care team. Stay on track Building a diabetes health professional team can help you with yearly checks. These checks can find problems early and lower your risk of diabetes-related complications. The NDSS checklist for your diabetes annual cycle of care includes these checks. For more details, listen to the NDSS podcast series on diabetes care. HbA1c: A blood test that shows your average blood glucose over the past 10–12 weeks. Do this every 6–12 months, or more often if your care changes. Blood pressure: Ask your GP or nurse to check at every visit or at least every 6 months. Blood fats: Your GP will order a yearly blood test to check cholesterol and triglycerides. Foot checks: Your GP or podiatrist should check blood flow and feeling in your feet once a year, or sooner if you notice changes. Eye checks: See an optometrist or eye specialist every 2 years, or sooner if your vision changes. Kidney health: Each year, your GP or diabetes specialist will test your urine for protein and check kidney function. Weight and waist: Your health professional should check your weight, waist, and BMI every 6 months. Healthy eating and activity: Review your eating plan and activity level each year with your health professional. Medication review: Your GP will check your medicines to make sure they are safe and working well. Diabetes management: A diabetes educator or nurse can review your care and give tailored advice. Smoking: Ask your GP for help to quit. Stopping smoking lowers your risk of complications. Emotional health: Talk about your wellbeing with your diabetes care team and ask for support if needed. Build your diabetes health professional team Health professionals can help you manage diabetes well. Here are some people you may want on your team: Doctor or GP: Your main contact. They coordinate your care and refer you to specialists. A GP management plan may give you Medicare rebates for some services. Credentialled diabetes educator (CDE): A nurse or allied health professional trained in diabetes care. They teach you about monitoring blood glucose and using technology. Dietitian: An accredited practising dietitian (APD) can help you understand how food affects blood glucose. They create a healthy eating plan and guide you on carb counting, portion sizes, and reading labels. Endocrinologist: A specialist for complex diabetes. They fine-tune treatment, review medications, and manage complications. Podiatrist: Checks your feet for blood flow and sensation, and helps prevent damage. Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Checks your eyes for diabetes-related changes. Pharmacist: Advises on medications. Can do a Home Medication Review with your doctor (Medicare-subsidised). Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist: Creates a safe, tailored exercise plan for your health and lifestyle. Counsellor or Psychologist: Offers support if you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Lean on family, friends and peers Your family and friends are an important part of your support network. Teaching them about diabetes helps them understand how to support you. Connecting with others who have diabetes – online or through peer support or community groups – can also be empowering. Managing diabetes is a team effort. Building a qualified and supportive team can help you feel confident and in control of your health.
