Diabetes education and the primary care provider.

The problems involved in developing a practical primary care model of individualized diabetes management are discussed. Even though the multidisciplinary team approach is the preferred delivery system for diabetes care, primary care providers who do not have access to a diabetes care team can work with diabetes educators who provide a comprehensive body of knowledge, attitudes, and self-management skills to help people with diabetes make a positive psychosocial adaptation to diabetes. The person with diabetes is the only one in a position to determine what is learned and what is ultimately practiced.