Managing diabetes isn’t a solo journey—it requires a strong support team. But with so many different professionals involved, it can sometimes be confusing to understand who does what in your diabetes care. As a Diabetes Wellness Coach, I often get asked how my role compares to that of a General Practitioner (GP), Endocrinologist, or Diabetes Educator.

Each professional plays a unique but complementary role, and understanding these differences can empower you to build the right support network for your diabetes journey. Let’s break it down.

General Practitioner (GP): Your First Line of Care

Who they are: A GP is a primary care doctor who provides general medical care, including diabetes management.

Role in Diabetes Care: ✅ Diagnoses diabetes through blood tests ✅ Prescribes medication, including insulin or oral drugs ✅ Monitors general health, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and complications ✅ Refers patients to specialists (e.g., Endocrinologists, Dietitians, Podiatrists) ✅ Provides ongoing check-ups and management for chronic conditions

Best for: Day-to-day health concerns, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.

Endocrinologist: The Diabetes Specialist

Who they are: Endocrinologists are specialist doctors trained in hormonal disorders, including diabetes and thyroid conditions.

Role in Diabetes Care: ✅ Helps optimize insulin therapy for Type 1 & advanced Type 2 diabetes ✅ Treats complex diabetes cases (e.g., pregnancy & diabetes, complications) ✅ Diagnoses and manages hormonal conditions affecting blood sugar ✅ Reviews and adjusts advanced diabetes technology (e.g., CGMs, pumps) ✅ Works closely with Diabetes Educators & Dietitians for comprehensive care

Best for: Specialist advice on complex diabetes cases, insulin management, and treatment adjustments.

Diabetes Educator: Your Practical Guide

Who they are: A Diabetes Educator (CDE in Australia) is a healthcare professional (often a nurse, pharmacist, or dietitian) with specialised training in diabetes self-management education.

Role in Diabetes Care: ✅ Teaches carb counting, insulin dosing, and blood sugar monitoring ✅ Helps adjust insulin-to-carb ratios and lifestyle modifications ✅ Provides support with diabetes technology (CGMs, insulin pumps) ✅ Offers coaching on daily diabetes self-care routines ✅ Supports mental health aspects of living with diabetes

Best for: Practical diabetes education, troubleshooting, and personalised coaching on day-to-day diabetes management.

Diabetes Wellness Coach: Lifestyle, Habits & Mindset Support

Who I am: A Diabetes Wellness Coach bridges the gap between medical care and real-life application. My role is to empower clients to take control of their diabetes through nutrition, movement, mindset, and sustainable habits.

Role in Diabetes Care: ✅ Helps you create and sustain healthy habits for blood sugar control ✅ Supports low-carb, high-protein, or other personalised nutrition approaches ✅ Coaches clients on exercise and movement strategies for diabetes ✅ Guides you in developing a strong mindset & resilience to diabetes challenges ✅ Provides accountability and personalised support beyond medical appointments

Best for: Ongoing, holistic support to improve long-term diabetes management, lifestyle habits, and mindset.

How These Roles Work Together

Diabetes care works best when these four roles complement each other:

🔹 Your GP is your first point of contact for routine care and referrals 🔹 Your Endocrinologist provides specialist advice and treatment plans 🔹 Your Diabetes Educator teaches you the technical aspects of diabetes self-management 🔹 Your Diabetes Wellness Coach helps you turn knowledge into action, build sustainable habits, and stay accountable.

Which One Do You Need?

💡 If you need prescriptions, check-ups, and general health monitoring → See your GP 💡 If you have complex diabetes, need insulin adjustments, or advanced treatment plans → See an Endocrinologist 💡 If you need help with insulin dosing, CGMs, and practical diabetes education → Work with a Diabetes Educator 💡 If you need help building healthy habits, meal planning, exercise guidance, and mindset support → Work with a Diabetes Wellness Coach

Many people benefit from all four at different stages of their diabetes journey.

Final Thoughts: A Team-Based Approach to Diabetes Care

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing diabetes. Medical care is crucial, but so is the ongoing lifestyle and mindset support that many people with diabetes don’t get enough of.

As a Diabetes Wellness Coach, I work alongside doctors, educators, and specialists to help people bridge the gap between medical advice and everyday life.

If you’re looking for practical, personalised coaching to improve your nutrition, movement, and mindset with diabetes, feel free to reach out! Let’s build your diabetes game plan together. 💪