T1D 101 - Understanding Type 1 Diabetes 🎓
Ch. 4/5 · Part 1/3
Core Medical Team
Connectez-vous pour accéder aux ressources
Questions about this content?
Alfred can go deeper on any point in this section.
Questions about this content?
Alfred can go deeper on any point in this section.
Getting diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes means entering a new world of medical appointments, specialists, and healthcare jargon. It can feel overwhelming at first — but here's the good news: you don't have to figure it all out alone. Your core medical team exists to guide you, and understanding who does what makes the whole process less intimidating.
Let's meet the four key players on your care team.
Your endocrinologist is the captain of your diabetes care. This is the specialist who understands the hormonal systems behind T1D and makes the big-picture decisions about your treatment.
What they do:
How often: Every 3-4 months is standard. More frequently after diagnosis or when making significant treatment changes.
What to expect at appointments:
Marco, 28, was diagnosed with T1D three weeks ago at the hospital. His first outpatient endocrinology appointment feels nerve-wracking. He brings a notebook with questions he's been collecting since discharge.
His endocrinologist, Dr. Patel, starts by reviewing Marco's CGM data from the past two weeks. She notices he's running high after lunch most days (around 220 mg/dL). Together, they increase his lunchtime insulin-to-carb ratio from 1:15 to 1:12. She also notices some overnight lows around 3 AM and reduces his basal by 10% during the midnight-to-4 AM window.
Marco asks about insulin pumps — Dr. Patel explains he should get comfortable with injections first, but they can revisit pump therapy in 3-6 months. She schedules his next visit in 6 weeks (closer together during the adjustment phase) and orders baseline labs for thyroid and celiac screening.
Marco leaves feeling like he has a plan. That's exactly what a good endo visit should feel like.
Your regular doctor remains essential even after you have an endocrinologist. Think of them as the coordinator of your overall health — everything beyond diabetes still goes through them.
What they do:
How often: At least once a year for a general check-up, plus as needed for illnesses.
Tip
Make sure your PCP and endocrinologist communicate. Ask each one if they've received the latest reports from the other. Gaps in communication between specialists are one of the most common problems in chronic disease management.
A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) — formerly called CDE — or a diabetes specialist nurse is your day-to-day coach. While your endo makes the big decisions, your educator helps you actually live with them.
What they do:
How often: Frequently after diagnosis (weekly or biweekly), then as needed. Many educators offer phone or email support between visits.
A dietitian who specializes in diabetes is your nutrition strategist. They go far beyond telling you what to eat — they help you understand how food affects your blood sugar and how to use that knowledge.
What they do:
How often: A few sessions after diagnosis, then annually or when your eating patterns change significantly.
Fill this out and keep it in your phone or wallet. In a medical situation, having this information accessible can save valuable time.
| Role | Name | Phone | Next Appointment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endocrinologist | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Primary Care Physician | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Diabetes Educator | ______ | ______ |
Tip
Save this as a note on your phone AND share it with a trusted family member or friend. If you're ever in an emergency and can't speak for yourself, this card speaks for you.
Which healthcare professional is typically the primary specialist managing insulin therapy and overall T1D care?
| ______ |
| ______ |
| Dietitian | ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Emergency contact | ______ | ______ | ______ | N/A |
| Pharmacy | ______ | ______ | ______ | N/A |
| Insurance member ID | ______ |