 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
You may have side effects caused by your diabetes, but feel afraid to talk about them with your doctor. It may be physical problems that concern you, or feelings of guilt, being out of control, or depression. Don't pass off such concerns as being "just your diabetes." Be honest about what's on your mind. It's OKAY TO ASK your doctor questions and share what's worrying you. It's okay to be your own champion in achieving success with diabetes.
A Checklist for Your Doctor Visit (.pdf version)
The following chart lists the medical tests and exams that should be a part of your regular office visits. It includes why each test is given, what the test should be, and how often the test is typically needed. Use this checklist as a tool to better communicate with your doctor and to make sure you are receiving ADA*-recommended care for your diabetes.
| Check |
Medical Test/Examination |
Why the Test is Given | What the Test Results Should Be** | Your Test Results | How Often the Test is Typically Needed |
|
A1C |
To evaluate how well your diabetes treatment plan is working as it measures the averages of all blood sugars over 2-3 months | Below 7 | Every 3-6 months | ||
|
Blood Pressure |
Determines if medication is needed to control blood pressure and reduce risks of high blood pressure to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves | Less than 130/80mmHG | Every doctor visit | ||
|
Cholesterol Control -LDL (Bad Cholesterol) |
Determines if medication is needed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke | LDL is less than 100 mg/dL | Once a year | ||
|
Kidney Function (Urine Test) |
Determines if medication is needed to prevent kidney damage or kidney failure that could lead to dialysis (treatment that replaces kidney function) | Less than 30 mg/24 hours | Once a year | ||
|
Referral for a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam |
Determines if there is diabetes-related damage to the eyes | Normal Eye Exam with no evidence of diabetic retinopathy | Once a year | ||
|
Foot Exam |
Identifies high risk foot conditions and determines if loss of feeling exists in the feet that may lead to injury or infection | Normal protective sensation or feeling | Every doctor visit | ||
|
Smoking Status and Stop Smoking Advice |
Because smoking increases the rate at which complication from diabetes with occur | Stop smoking | Review at every doctor visit |
As new treatments and research become available, best practice guidelines may change. That's why it's important for you to know the current best practices and medical standards to most effectively treat your diabetes - and ask your doctor about them - to be sure that you get the right care at the right time.
*American Diabetes Association
** (ADA-Recommended Goal)
Developed by the Cincinnati Aligning Forces for Quality initiative of the Health Improvement Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati, and adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2008.
Last Reviewed: Jun 05, 2008
|
Eric J Warm, MD Assistant Professor Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|