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Diabetes » Support in Germany

Diabetic support in Germany

No matter whether you're planning a short- or long-time stay in Germany, as a Diabetic you won't have to worry about your medical support.

Despite the tight financial situation of the insurance companies, the German health care system is still one of the most effective and most efficient. An all-covering network of qualified doctors and experts, and insurance fees that are moderate when compared to other industrial countries, guarantee a complete medical support. This also counts for the treatment of diabetics.

First visit to the Family Doctor

Key requirement for treatment is the completion of a private or statutory health insurance, respectively a travel health insurance certificate in case of a holiday trip. If you complete a health insurance in Germany, you'll have to pay a monthly fee. If you should fall ill, it is enough to show your insurance chip card or the travel health insurance certificate. They both contain all necessary information. To keep people from running to the doctor's for no reason, a so-called practice fee of 10 Euros was introduced. With the beginning of every quarter year (3 months), this sum is to be paid at the doctor's practice that you visit first. This doctor is your first contact for the next three months if you need a transfer to a specialist doctor like a Diabetologist or for example an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor). Dentists are generally exempt, as long as no cancer precaution needs to be taken. First of all diabetics should consult a family doctor. Almost everywhere General Practitioners work together hand in hand with Diabetologists and specialists for diabetic consequential diseases. They confer with each other and decide about the type and duration of a diabetes training course in case of newly diagnosed diabetes.

Diabetes training is the basis of every diabetes therapy, which is only in the rarest of cases done by the family doctor. Therefore special diabetic practices and clinics can be found all over the country. The Diabetologist is the first contact during the entire therapy (no matter whether in hospital or as an outpatient). Depending on the type of training and the severity of the disease Podologists, eye doctors, etc. are also consulted.

Insulin is available only on prescription. It depends on the need and on the company itself whether they take the cost for pens and test strips or not. However, the insurance companies are paying insulin if it is stated as medically needed by the doctor.

Have specialists treat consequential diseases

Since diabetes is often connected with consequential diseases, the consultation of specialists is the common procedure. Badly adjusted blood glucose levels can lead to nerve damage through diabetes after years. This affects the feet most of all. Numbness and insensitivity towards pain can lead to the feet being out of position and acute diseases. If a so - called diabetic foot syndrome is the case, the diabetic consults a Podologist for the medical treatment of the feet and an orthopaedic shoemaker. He makes customized shoes for the demands of the therapy or prevention for the diseased feet. Additionally the progress of the disease and the history of results are documented. If you should complain about pain in the eye or feet during a holiday trip, it is recommended to visit a Diabetologist or a specialised clinic first. These people can help you with the search for the specialist you need. We provide a nationwide list of English-speaking diabetes specialists and clinics here.

The human being won't get a raw deal

During the last years diabetes has developed to the number 1 of common disease in the industrialised countries. With the increasing figure of affected people the need to organise oneself in self - aid groups was increasing, too. Apart from advice and help with regard to the daily dealing and handling with the disease, diabetics get the opportunity to have a positive impact on the course of their therapy for example by entertaining sporting activities together. On the pages of D'GATE you will find an extensive overview of self - aid groups in Germany. In addition, on www.diabetikerbund.de you have the opportunity to become a member of this organisation and to download brochures. The regional editions will inform you about local meetings and events especially for diabetics.

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