Diabetes educators are health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and social workers, who specialize in the treatment of people with diabetes.

Diabetes educators teach about nutrition, exercise, medication, blood sugar monitoring, and emotional adjustment to diabetes. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and neighborhood clinics. They may teach people in groups or individually.

Certified diabetes educators (CDEs) are licensed in their professional field in the state in which they practice. Most are certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators. Certification is voluntary.