It’s Okay to Ask – A Checklist for Your Doctor Visit
You may have side effects caused by your diabetes but feel afraid to talk about them with your doctor. You may be concerned about:
- physical problems
- feelings of guilt
- being out of control
- depression.
Do not pass off such concerns as being “just your diabetes.” Be honest about what is on your mind. It is OKAY TO ASK your doctor questions and to share what is worrying you. It is 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
- 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 |
|
Shows how well your diabetes treatment plan has been working over the past 2-3 months
|
Below 7 | Every 3-6 months | |||
|
Shows if you need medicine to control blood pressure and lower the risks that high blood pressure has on your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves
|
Less than 130/80mmHg | Every doctor visit | |||
|
Shows if you need medicine to lower your LDL – also called “bad” – cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke
|
LDL is less than 100 mg/dL | Once a year | |||
|
Urine Test |
Shows if you need medicine to prevent kidney damage or kidney failure, which could lead to dialysis
|
Less than 30 mg in 24 hours | Once a year | ||
|
Referral for a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam |
Shows if diabetes has damaged your eyes
|
Normal eye exam with no sign of diabetic retinopathy |
Once a year | ||
|
Identifies high risk foot conditions and whether you have loss of feeling in your feet, which may lead to injury or infection
|
Normal protective sensation or feeling | Every doctor visit | |||
|
Smoking Status and Stop Smoking Advice |
Smoking increases the rate at which problems from diabetes will occur.
|
. | Review at every doctor visit |
*American Diabetes Association
** ADA-Recommended Goal
As new treatments and research become available, best practice guidelines may change. It is important for you to know the current best practices and medical standards to most effectively treat your diabetes. Ask your doctor about them – to be sure that you get the right care at the right time.
It is OKAY TO ASK!
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.
For more information:
Go to the Quality Health Care and You – Diabetes health topic.