How do I make the most out of my Diabetes visits with my doctor when there is limited time?

 Do you only have about 15 minutes with your doctor?  Usually follow-up appointments are slotted for 15 minutes at a time. It is an important visit and you want to make sure you get the most out of it. 

Read on to find out ways to make the most of these very important visits. 

 Part of your Diabetes Care team is your PCP (Primary Care Physician) or your Endocrinologist or Diabetologist (Diabetes Doctor). There are other people on your Diabetes Care Team that you need to know about. That information will be in a later blog. You, the person with diabetes, are the leader of the team. 

You live with diabetes all day long and you know yourself the best. The team is there to assist you in reaching your health goals. 

Below is a check list to do before your visit with the doctor and ideas how to be prepared for the actual visit:

 To do prior to the visit:

·      Get all necessary blood work done.

·      Review your blood work results prior to your visit.  Reason to do this is because you can be prepared with questions you may have regarding the labs. Most patients have access to lab values through the patient portal. If you are unsure if your doctor’s office has this make sure to call the doctor’s office to ask about if there is a patient portal. If so, sign up for it.

·      A month to 2 weeks prior to your visit check your blood sugar more frequently.

·      Make sure you have ready to bring with you to your appointment your blood glucose meter and glucose log or download your continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump data for review. If you have a Freestyle Libre or Dexcom Continuous Glucose Meter (CGM) make sure you have the app. to be able to connect with your MD’s office, if the MD’s office has the software. Also bring to the appointment the medications you are taking and other over the counter supplements such as vitamins and or herbal products. 

·      Have a list of written questions you want to ask. Bring paper and a pen to write down answers to your questions.

·      Consider bringing a family member or friend to the appointment with you to be that other person to hear something the doctor said that you may have not heard. 

 At the appointment:

·      Ask questions. Pick three top questions. You may only have time to ask 1 question so make sure you ask the most important question first. 

Possible questions to ask your doctor:

-Are there any group classes or support groups for Diabetes?

-What about seeing a RD DCES (Diabetes Care & Education Specialist) or RN DCES to help with managing my diabetes?

-Are there any signs of potential diabetes problems?

-How often do I check my blood sugar? What is my blood sugar goal?

-How often do I have my A1c checked? What is my A1c goal?

-When do I need to call?

-What do I do if I am sick?

-Do any tests need to be done? 

             -Is it safe for me to exercise?

·      Take of your socks and shoes so the doctor can look at your feet.

·      Give your doctor (in some offices you give to the medical assistant) your BG meter, CGM or insulin pump 

so it can be downloaded.

·      Make sure you tell your doctor………..

-if you have not been taking your diabetes medication as the doctor prescribed. If finances are the   reason, talk to the doctor about changing the medication or find out if you qualify for any patient assistance programs offered by the medication company.

             - any low blood sugars you may have had.

             - how you have been feeling lately. 

             - any exams you have had done. For example; eye exam, dental exam and teeth cleaning, podiatry 

              exam ex;)

              -Check with your doctor if there is another medication that will help with managing diabetes.

Regular visits(1-4x/year) with your doctor are crucial in maintaining your health. With these few tips you can be better prepared to make the most of the visit. 

Anything else do you feel is important for the visit? Please post below.