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Talk with your health care team
Communicating well with your health care team is a big part of managing your diabetes successfully.
Bring up concerns right away.
If you think there might be a problem, don't wait until your next appointment to bring it up.
For example, if you notice changes in your eyesight, let your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) know right away. The same goes for any kind of discomfort you may have, or general worries about your condition.
Ask questions.
Write down questions when you think of them and bring them to your next appointment.
Diabetes health tip
Who is on my health care team?
You are the key member of your health care team. In addition to your doctor, nurse and specialists, your team may also include a diabetes educator, dietitian, eye doctor, pharmacist, exercise specialist and others.
You and your health care team need to work together to find the best ways to control your diabetes. If you have questions or concerns, calling your clinic can help connect you with a team member.
- If you have heard about other ways to treat diabetes, it's OK to ask your doctor or other health care providers what they think about them.
- It's OK to ask if you can bring someone with you into the office or the examining room. Having someone else listen to your health care providers can help you remember what they said.
- It's OK to ask what your medicine is for or how it helps you.
- It's OK to ask if any other medicines you take have any effect on your diabetes medicine. That goes for any kind of medicine at all, even if it's not prescription medicine. If the doctor changes your medicine or anything else about your treatment, ask why.
It's also a good idea to take notes during your appointments. This can help you remember the answers to your questions.
Say what's on your mind.
Being open and honest is the best way for you to help your health care team help you.
For example, if it's hard to stick with your eating plan, talk about that with your dietitian or doctor. If some of your medicine makes you feel bad, don’t stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.
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Where can I get help in managing my diabetes? Diabetes support groups
Source: Health Online, Inc.; Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes
First published: 10/15/1999
Last updated: 08/04/2010
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education; Dawn McCarter, RN, BSN, CDE, diabetes program coordinator, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education
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