When blood sugar levels stay above the recommended range for a long time, it can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications. That's why keeping levels in check is so important for long-term health and well-being.

Diabetes is a manageable condition. Depending on your situation, however, you may need to see different health care providers throughout the course of the disease.

• Your primary care physician will be your main point of contact. They will monitor your blood sugar, prescribe medications, and may refer you to a specialist, like a diabetologist or endocrinologist.
• A diabetologist specializes in treatment of various forms of diabetes, as well as the problems diabetes can cause throughout the body. A diabetologist also advises on lifestyle management, medication, insulin, and insulin pumps.
• An endocrinologist specializes diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate hormones. Endocrinologists can help people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes manage insulin (a hormone) when they have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels.