Managing Your Checkups
Because diabetes is complicated and affects many parts of your life, you may be receiving your diabetes care from a team directed by your doctor. Depending on your specific health problems, your diabetes care team may include a variety of specialists as well as a dietitian and a diabetes educator.
Make the most of each visit to the health care provider. Come prepared with your daily blood sugar logbook, and go over the readings with your provider. Write down your questions in advance—specific questions about the disease, what you can do to take control, and what challenges might lie ahead.
During your visits, talk to your health care providers about your goals, and discuss the A to Gs of diabetes:
- A A1C Tests and Blood Sugar Monitoring
- B Blood Pressure
- C Cholesterol
- D Diet: Planning for Healthy Eating
- E Exercise: Choosing Your Activity
- F Family, Friends, and Feelings
- G Good Days With Diabetes
Also, at your appointments:
- Review how often your blood sugar has been higher or lower than your target.
- Discuss whether you have taken your medication properly and whether it is working as it should be.
- Ask for ideas for eating healthy.
- Talk about ways to be more active.
- Talk about your feelings and challenges.
- Ask about immunizations.
- Ask how you can learn more about diabetes.
Your Team of health Care Professionals
There is clear evidence that putting together a team of professionals is the best way to manage diabetes. Who do you need on your team? Check with your primary care doctor for recommendations. Here are some of the professionals who can help you.
- Primary care doctor
- Endocrinologist
- Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)
- Podiatrist (foot doctor)
- Dentist
- Diabetes educator
- Dietitian or nutritionist
- Pharmacist
Other professionals from whom you may need help are a nephrologist (for kidney disease), a cardiologist, a dermatologist, a mental health professional, and a fitness trainer. Just remember: You are the point person. Stay involved in decisions, and do your best to ensure that the various members on your team communicate with one another.
Patient Tools
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Daily Glucose Tracker
Use this handy grid to record glucose levels quickly and easily. -
Exercise Journal
People with diabetes say that they are more likely to remain motivated when they keep track of their physical activity. This simple, easy-to-use tool can help. - View More Patient Tools >>>