Be Ready for a Doctor's Visit When You Have Diabetes

If you're diabetic and getting ready for a doctor's visit, your doctor can help you better manage your diabetes and make the most of your time together.

Before the visit:
Be sure to take your blood sugar or glucose monitor and/or written records of blood glucose readings. The doctor can help you correct high or low results.

Make a list of symptoms or worries you want to talk about.

Write down your questions you want to ask your doctor which include the following:

• how often should I check my blood glucose?
• What's my target range for blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol?
• Should I make any changes to my lifestyle (food, exercise, meals) to make my blood glucose control better?

During the visit:
Your doctor may check your mouth, eyes, heart and feet, since diabetes can often cause problems in those areas.

Blood pressure checking is also essential. If you have high BP, this increases your risk for stroke, heart attack, eye problems and kidney disease.

Foot problems may also occur if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor for tips on foot care such as how to wash and check them every day.

You need to have a blood test called the hemoglobin A1c test every 3-6 months. This test checks your average blood glucose reading for the past 2-3 months.