Questions to ask your doctor if you're diagnosed with diabetes
You’re sitting in your doctor’s office after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Your head is spinning. You're scared and overwhelmed. You might be thinking: “What does this mean for my health?” “I don’t even fully understand what diabetes is.” “How do I manage this condition?”
“For many, shock and guilt are common feelings,” says Megan Munoz, an RN, MSN and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "But, you’re not alone."
More than 38 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes, and 38 percent of Americans have pre-diabetes. If you find yourself facing a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, knowing the right questions to ask your doctor can help you feel empowered.
Four questions to ask your doctor to learn about how you were diagnosed
So many people struggle with the diagnosis, especially if they don’t feel any different. This means they can also struggle with taking action to care for themselves and their diabetes. It’s important for you to ask to review your diagnosing medical information with your doctor. Building a foundation of knowledge can help you feel confident in managing your diabetes and better understand your diagnosis.
- What labs did you use to diagnose my diabetes?
- What level is “non-diabetes?"
- What are my blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels?
- What should my blood glucose levels be?
Get extra support from Wellmark’s Case Management Program
Getting a new diagnosis can be overwhelming. Wellmark’s Case Management Program offers members with complex conditions the support and resources they need to navigate their diagnosis and the health care system. To learn more about Wellmark’s Case Management Program, call 1-800-552-3993 today.
Four questions to ask your doctor about active diabetes monitoring
- How do I use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor?
- When should I check my blood glucose levels; how often, what times?
- What do I do with my glucose results?
- When will my glucose levels or A1C be rechecked at the lab?
Knowing what blood sugars are healthy for you and what to do if you find yourself outside of that range can be vital to your health and well-being. Create a plan with your doctor on when you should contact them about unhealthy blood sugar levels.
Three questions to ask your doctor about lifestyle changes and using medications
- If I need medication, when do I take it and what are the benefits and side effects?
- What meal planning and exercise changes should I make?
- What are the top three things I need to know to take care of my diabetes?
You should develop a close relationship with your pharmacist if you’re starting a new medication. And, don’t put off simple — but important — changes to your lifestyle. “Look for opportunities in your everyday routines to increase your physical activity. Take advantage of resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help plan your meals. It doesn't have to be extreme, small changes can make a big difference in your diabetes health," says Muñoz.
Three questions to ask about managing your condition
- When will we meet again to assess my condition and what other routine checkups, labs or exams might I need?
- How are we going to determine that my diabetes is well-managed?
- What resources are there for learning more about diabetes, and will you refer me to diabetes resources?
Diabetes needs to be monitored regularly, so make a plan with your doctor to determine what that looks like. Don’t hesitate to ask for more resources. “You often spend less than 1 percent of your year working with your provider on your diabetes care plan. One of the best ways to advocate for your health is to ask for referrals to additional diabetes resources outside your provider’s office,” says Munoz.
Once you learn more about Type 2 diabetes and the best way to manage the disease, it can be less intimidating. People who live long, healthy lives with diabetes are active in their care. Advocating for yourself and your health means you will also have a good chance of living a full life with diabetes.