In case someone has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, for sure everyone wants to know how to take care of themselves. Of course, we probably know that we need to have control over our blood sugar levels in order to feel better.
However, we need to know what to ask our doctor, but that can be impossible especially if we do not know much about this condition.
Therefore, it is good to prepare for appointments with the doctor. We should know that the key to managing our health is to have open communication with our doctors.
Here is some information on how to get ready for an appointment with a doctor.
12 Questions to Ask
1. What Is Going On In My Body?
This should be our first question which is the most important one. This question can open up a dialogue with our doctor. It can lead to more questions covering many subjects linked to our condition and other concerns.
This is also a good chance to see if we can communicate with our doctor. In case the answers do not make sense to us even after the clarification or in case we notice that our doctor does not pay proper attention, that is a sign that we need to keep on looking.
2. Does Having This Condition Mean Higher Risk for Other Medical Issues?
Remember, once someone gets diagnosed with diabetes, it is crucial to get information about every small detail.
3. Where Will You Send Me for Diabetes Education?
Why do we need this education? Well, you did not learn how to drive without a driving instructor, right? It is the same once someone has diabetes, he/she need to learn to live the rest of their life with diabetes, and for that they need education.
Diabetes educators are a group that includes exercise physiologists, nurses, physicians, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, and social workers. These people may help us to make a management plan which will fit our needs and lifestyle.
4. How Often Should I Check My Blood Sugar Levels?
Monitoring blood sugar levels can tell us the way to react to illness, foods, stress, and exercise.
Also, it can help us stay in control by showing a possible issue with low or high levels at particular times of the day that might signal the need to adjust our insulin doses or medicine.
5. What Should My Blood Sugar Levels Be?
According to recommendations of AACE, i.e., American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists HbA1c of 6.5 percent or less, fasting blood sugar level of less than 110 mg or dl, and below 140 mg or dl 2 hours after a meal.
Individual blood sugar readings show the levels at the time we check them, while in turn, the HbA1C shows the average blood sugar levels in 3 months.
6. Do I Need Medications to Manage My Diabetes?
People that have type 1 diabetes need to use insulin since their bodies do not produce it anymore. On the other hand, people that have type 2 diabetes need insulin in order to control their blood sugar levels.
7. Can Exercise Make a Difference in My Diabetes?
Find out if exercise can have a great impact on people’s condition.
8. What’s the Importance of Diet in Diabetes?
This question is important in order to understand the role of diet in diabetes.
9. Does Diabetes Mean I Have to Stop Eating My Favorite Food?
We need to tell our doctor about the foods we usually consume on a daily basis.
10. What Should I Do If My Symptoms Worsen or If I Experience New Symptoms?
Remember the key is to prepare and always be ready. Our doctor can help with that.
11. Are My Kids at Increased Risk for the Disease?
Find out more about the odds of the kids developing diabetes.
12. What About Medical Tests?
It is important to know which medical tests you need to do.
Conclusion
For successful diabetes management, we need to assemble a strong diabetes care team that will support us. The first crucial step in this process is to find a doctor we may trust and rely on.
Often, doctor appointments can feel rushed. After them, we might feel overwhelmed with new info or feel like we didn’t get the answers to our questions.
However, it is essential that we and our doctors are on the same page regarding our health care. Once we know what we ask, it is up to us to decide whether we are satisfied with the answers.
