Dealing With Health Professionals

Be prepared when you go to the doctor. Take an active part in your treatment plan. Know what to expect and what you need to ask the doctor. This is not only your right, but also your responsibility.
At your very first visit your doctor may caution you about the necessity of taking regular at-home blood tests and possibly the importance of checking your blood pressure regularly at home. The doctor should discuss taking injections (of insulin if you are a Type 1) and the importance of taking your diabetes medications (if you are a Type 2). You will need to always take your medications and/or insulin On-Time and never miss taking them. Discuss with your doctor any concerns or fears you have about being a diabetic. Diabetes is a dangerous disease and MUST be taken care of carefully. You can live a long, happy life, and do about anything you want to - if you are careful and take proper care of your disease. Your doctor might want you to see a good diabetic dietician.

At Every Visit, the doctor should:

• Check your weight
• Check your blood sugar. Take a copy of the tests you have been running at home with you. They should run an HbA1C about every four months.
• Discuss your target level for blood glucose
• Check your blood pressure (tell them of any chest pains, etc
• Discuss your meal plan
• Check your eyes and ears
• Check your feet thoroughly (absolutely a must) for signs of neuropathy (nerve damage). Inspect your feet for skin breakdown, calluses, swelling, athlete's foot, areas of redness, hammertoes, or other deformities. Discuss proper foot care. Is there any need for special footwear?
• Check for fungus of the nails
• Check your skin

Discuss with your doctor:

• Stress that may have come into your life because stress definitely effects your diabetes
• Any swelling or pain in your feet or ankles
• Ask if anything was abnormal and/or needed to be rechecked on any of your tests (avoid taking new medication or having any new procedure done after only one test).
• Any existing complications
• Any new medications you are taking, over-the-counter drugs, or medication that may have been prescribed by another doctor.
• The need for any schedule changes
• Any change in your normal routine like a new exercise program or change in an existing one.
• Your current self-management plan

Every Year, the Doctor Should:

• Check your triglycerides and cholesterol (lipids)
• Possibly have an electrocardiogram (heart test)
• Check for kidney function (on some medications, this should be done every six months)
• Check for creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is one of the nonprotein constituents of blood, and increased quantities could indicate renal disease.
• Check for albumin (protein in urine)
• Make sure you see the dentist every year. There are billions of bacteria in your mouth. Diabetes can weaken your mouth's germ-fighting power, and high sugar level can contribute to gum disease.
• You should have a through eye exam every year because of associated complications of the eyes.