5 Smart Ways to Find the Ideal Diabetes Specialist for Yourself

In the US, 30.3 million people,or 9.4% of the population, have diabetes,according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2017. With such a huge population being affected, it is crucial to find the right endocrinologist to help manage the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes cannot be cured but a good doctor can help you live well and manage the condition. Here’s what to consider before choosing the best doctor for diabetes.

1.     Research Well

After making a list of diabetes doctors, go online and check for their educational background, experience and skills. You can read testimonials to find out if the doctor has a patient centric approach and good bedside manners. You could also find out which hospitals and diabetes clinics they are associated with to understand their level of expertise.

2.     Seek Recommendations

Get in touch with your friends and relatives regarding their recommendations for the best doctor for diabetes.  Ask them in detail why they prefer a particular physician and whether they would be a good fit for you too. They can also tell you about the specialist’s general attitude towards handling patients. However, it is crucial to remember that not all doctors are suitable for everyone.

3.     Meet Then in Person

The best way to know if the doctor suits you is to meet them in person and see how comfortable you feel with them. You could also get an idea of how the clinic runs. Ask questions related to your condition and check whether they answer patiently. Meeting personally will help you know if the doctor takes emergency calls during odd hours and responds to messages quickly.Such information can help you determine if the diabetes doctor is genuinely interested in the well-being of their patients.

4.     Educational Qualifications

This would a quality check to figure out how adept the physician is. Find out which medical school they attended and whether they have undertaken any fellowship program. You could also see if they have passed certain medicine exams and received any certifications. Go online and find out whether they have been a part of medical camps and workshops providing high quality medical treatments. Lastly, make sure they have in-depth knowledge about the latest developments in diabetes management.

5.     Doctor’s Location

Make sure you choose a doctor whose clinic is not too far from your home or office. This would be very useful, especially during an emergency. Even if you find the best doctor in the world but they practice really far away, you might have to resort to phone calls or text messages, rather than in-person appointments during an emergency, which is not the best choice. However, if at all an expert doctor is located far away, make sure to check for traffic free and quick routes to reach quickly.

At any time if you feel you aren’t comfortable and the consultations are not up to the mark, don’t hesitate to provide feedback.