Be Prepared for Your First Diabetes Consultation

A diagnosis of diabetes can be a life-changing event, one that may take you time to accept. Your doctor will want to meet with you to discuss your diagnosis, and it is possible that you will get a referral for a diabetes specialist. You may find yourself feeling anxious over the news and about the diabetes exam. You do not know what to expect and no doubt questions begin emerging about a course of treatment, changes to your lifestyle, potential complications and how to tell others who need to know should you need assistance in dealing with your condition.

While anxiety is normal, you do not want it to affect your diabetes consultation. This first visit after your diagnosis is your opportunity to understand your condition, for example, whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakes the body’s own healthy cells as foreign invaders. In response, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. With the destruction of these cells, the body is unable to produce insulin. Diet and lifestyle do not cause Type 1 diabetes. Genetic and environmental factors may cause the development of Type 1 diabetes. [1]

With Type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin correctly so that sugar builds up in the blood. Type 2 is more common than Type 1, accounting for 90 to 95% of all cases.[2] Type 2 can occur in people of all ages but occurs more often in older individuals. Being overweight and inactive can contribute to the disease.

What to expect during the initial diabetes exam

This first appointment after your diabetes diagnosis will last longer than previous checkups. During your first diabetes exam, the doctor will want to get a complete picture of health to develop a personalized plan.

The initial knowledge you gain from your first diabetes doctor’s visit will be critical to enable you to take an active role in managing your health. Secondarily, but not less important, the appointment lays the groundwork for the relationship between you and your doctor that will carry you through your journey with diabetes.

Prepare for the diabetes consultation

Your doctor will review relevant information from previous healthcare visits, including medical records, lab results, and notes to determine the best course of treatment. For instance, if you have a history of heart disease, the doctor may recommend a more aggressive approach to managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels in addition to managing your diabetes. diabetes.

Family history is equally important in assessing diabetes risk and management strategies. Healthcare providers often ask about family members with diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy or retinopathy. Doctors use this information to make decisions about preventive care.

Whether or not you can eat before your appointment will depend on tests your doctor orders. The leading test is A1c. It measures the average amount of glucose in your blood over the past three months. A score less than 5.7% in the normal range. Anything between 5.7% and 6.4% is prediabetes. An A1c of equal or greater than 6.5% is a diabetes diagnosis.^[3] Your doctor will recommend that you take the A1c blood tests a few times a year to lower the results and maintain your health. When you take steps to get your A1c in a healthy range, you also lower your risk of diabetes complications.

What you eat for breakfast will not affect the A1C and most cholesterol tests. However, blood glucose and triglyceride levels go up shortly after you eat. Yet, if you are on certain medications, it may not be safe to skip breakfast. Best to check in before your visit if you are not sure about eating.[4]

Wear clothing you can easily remove, if necessary. The same goes for shoes and socks. At the appointment, your doctor should check your feet to see if you have any open sores or wounds that are not healing and could develop into infections and other complications.

Diabetes exam questions

Be proactive in preparing diabetes exam questions to ask or during the diabetes exam. By preparing questions prior to the appointment, you will not overlook critical issues, and you will leave the exam informed and empowered to deal with your medical condition.

Here are diabetes exam questions to review with your doctor to make sure you do all the right things:

·         How often and when should I check my blood sugar?

·         What should I do when my blood sugar is too high?

·         What is the best treatment option?

·         How will the disease progress?

·         What are healthy food choices? What foods should I avoid?

·         Do I need to lose weight? If so, how much?

·         What are good exercises for my condition?

·         How much, if any, alcohol is appropriate?

·         How can I cope with stress that comes from having the disease?

·         Is there financial support for medicines and equipment?

·         What do I do if symptoms get worse?

·         What is the risk of complications and other conditions because of diabetes, for example a heart attack or stroke?

Diabetes treatment options

The outcome of your diabetes exam will be a treatment plan that includes medication, if necessary, including oral medications or insulin therapy. Doctors may recommend patients with Type 2 diabetes take from medications that improve insulin sensitivity or stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, however, require insulin therapy because they are unable to produce insulin naturally. The doctor should discuss any side effects from the medication and the need to adhere to the prescribed regimen.[5]

Changes in lifestyle will also be part of the discussion. The doctor will discuss healthy eating, exercise and even activities to help manage stress. They also may provide a list of sources for diabetes support groups, online or in person. You can explore when and if you feel the need for additional support in dealing with your condition.

Be open about your feelings

Be open with your doctor about the feelings and concerns you have about your diabetes diagnosis, whether emotional, mental, physical, or even financial. Your diabetes specialist, or your regular health care physician, can refer you to the right professionals who can help answer questions and alleviate your concerns.

Your first diabetes consultation is the start of your journey in managing your disease. Being open and honest with your doctor will help make dealing with your condition more successful.