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:

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Nutritionists

to help with nutrition, carb counting, and troubleshooting devices

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Mental Health Professionals

specializing in chronic illness management, as living with T1D can take an emotional toll.

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On-Call Support

for urgent health concerns

There are also times where you can be paired with an endocrinologist in one hospital or office and a medical team in another hospital or office. Consider whether you prefer a care team that offers all-in-one services or one that partners with specialists in the community.

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.

5. Consider Location and Accessibility

While convenience isn’t everything, it matters. A care team closer to home, school, or work makes it easier to attend regular appointments which is important for staying on top of new diabetes technology, keeping yourself accountable, and learning about new treatment methods. Whether you drive, walk, or take the bus, the commute to your appointments is especially important for accessibility.

Quick Tip

Enter the care team’s location into Maps and see how far it takes to drive or walk, and see if that’s accessible with your busy schedule.

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?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right adult care team for type one diabetes takes time, but it’s worth the effort. My journey in finding the right fit for my adult diabetes management took three years, but I am now with an amazing team and endocrinologist that supports the improvement of my health.

You deserve a medical care team that supports your health, respects your preferences, and equips you to live well with T1D. Take the time to research, ask questions, and trust your instincts—you’ll know when you’ve found the best fit for your type one diabetes management.

Heather Cadigan Bio

About the Author

Hi everyone! My name’s Heather and I was diagnosed with type one diabetes in 2015. I’m a Program Facilitator for DHF and entering into my 4th year at Trent U. In my spare time I love playing the guitar and driving with the windows down!