How to Choose an Adult Care Team

How to Choose an Adult Care Team that Supports Your T1D Management

Finding the right adult care team for your type one diabetes management can make all the difference. This journey can begin when you transition from pediatric care to adult care, or it can be later when you decide that another care team may better fit your needs. Every care team has its pros and cons, but the important part is to assess which care team best fits your needs and helps you to feel empowered in your diabetes management.

Below are some helpful steps that I took when I was in the process of switching from one adult care team to another.

1. Look for a Care Team with Experience in Adult T1D Care

All adult care teams should have the appropriate resources and team members to successfully help you manage and improve your diabetes management, but sometimes there are key factors that can make specific care teams stand out. For example, when comparing a care team that has been dealing with adults who live with type one diabetes for twenty years to a care team that opened last year, the twenty-year care team may have more experience in common patient issues, have a broader knowledge base about different diabetes technologies, and have a larger toolbox to pull information from.

Here are some questions to ask when researching care teams:

• Does the care team have endocrinologists or providers with experience in type one diabetes treatment?
• Are they certified for CGM distribution or pump training/trial runs? Find more information here (this link is for Ontario)
• Is the care team familiar with the latest diabetes research and treatment options?

2. Decide What Type of Care Team Works Best for You

Some clinics offer consistent care teams, where you see the same provider and nurse at every visit. Others operate with rotating teams, meaning you may see different professionals each time.

1. Consistent Teams:

Pros: They get to know you and your diabetes management style, leading to more personalized care.
Cons: Scheduling may be less flexible since you’re tied to a specific provider’s availability.

2. Rotating Teams:

Pros: Greater flexibility in scheduling. You might also gain insights from multiple perspectives.
Cons: It may feel impersonal, as you might need to explain your history at each visit.

If a consistent relationship with your provider is important to you, prioritize clinics that assign dedicated care teams.

3. Evaluate Support Services

A good care team for adults with T1D often provides access to a range of services beyond basic endocrinology care, such as:

4. Assess the Care Team’s Communication Style

Managing type one diabetes often requires quick adjustments based on changing factors like illness, travel, school, or work. Care teams that communicate effectively make this process smoother. Ask:

• How easy is it to contact your provider between visits?
• Do they offer virtual or phone appointments?
• Do they have a process for obtaining a doctor’s note if needed for diabetes-related illness?

You’ll want a care team that is responsive and proactive in addressing your needs.

6. Red Flags to Avoid

🚩Providers who are dismissive of your input, questions, or preferences. Do they seem rushed or genuinely interested?

🚩Care teams unfamiliar with newer technologies or medicine.

🚩Poor communication or extra-long wait times for an appointment (e.g. only having two appointments per year might not be beneficial. Staying consistent with three-month appointments may be a better fit).

🚩Uncomfortable environment: Do you feel comfortable, respected, and heard?

Hi everyone! My name’s Heather and I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2015. I’m a Program Facilitator for DHF and my work mainly focuses on the online supports we provide students across Canada. Currently, I’m a teacher candidate in Trent University’s Bachelor of Education program, and I also work for the university as part of their student staff. In my spare time, I teach music lessons to local youth and am passionate about participating in educational initiatives that support inclusive learning and students with disabilities.