In this report we will explain to you the most important questions to ask your doctor about the symptoms of diabetes
Expect me to be nosy.”
“I ask patients questions about how diabetes has affected them, in
addition to how it is affecting their blood glucose levels,” says
endocrinologist Richard Shewbridge, MD. Diabetes causes changes
throughout your entire body, including your feet, your skin, your mood,
and your sexual organs. Tell your doctor about all your health
issues—even ones that are difficult to talk about or don’t seem related,
like depression or erectile dysfunction. Treatment can help relieve
them.
“I need to know the truth about your daily habits.”
Come clean about your diet and exercise routine, says endocrinologist
Scott Isaacs, MD. If you fib about what you’re eating or how often
you’re active, you’re the one whose health may ultimately suffer.
“Doctors are not ‘just about the medicines’—we would rather help
patients make smarter choices in these areas,” says Dr. Shewbridge.
“It’s never too late to make lifestyle changes.”
If you have type 2 diabetes, losing just 7% of your body
weight—that’s 12 to 13 pounds, if you weigh 180—can dramatically improve
your health, says endocrinologist Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD. Typically, you
can do this through diet and exercise. And although weight loss and
other healthy changes may be most effective soon after your diagnosis,
you can reap the benefits no matter when you begin.
“Don’t believe everything you read or hear.”
Diabetes information is everywhere—blogs, online forums, small talk
with friends and family, terrifying lawyer ads on TV. Keep in mind that
everyone’s situation is different and some sources are more reliable
than others, Dr. Isaacs says. Your diabetes care team can guide you
toward the truth and help you make the best choices for your health.
“We both need continuing education.”
Your doctor should take steps to actively keep up with new
research—for instance, attending continuing medical education courses or
events. You should take a similar approach, advises endocrinologist
Irene O'Shaughnessy, MD. “I encourage my patients to keep up with their
diabetes education, and to meet with a dietitian and diabetes educator
at least once a year,” she says.
“Don’t ‘sugarcoat’ your blood glucose readings.”
“Some patients leave off the highest (or below normal) home glucose
testing readings because they may fear that the more abnormal readings
may upset the doctor,” says Dr. Shewbridge. But your doctor needs to
know all your numbers to adequately assess your health. “I’m not going
to lecture you. I am interested in problem-solving to help turn the
glucose levels around, so that the high glucose levels will not harm
your body.”
“Don’t choose me as your doctor if you don’t like my style.”
Effective diabetes treatment requires doctor and patient to work
together as a team, but your roles can vary depending on your
personality, Dr. O'Shaughnessy says. Some patients want to be told
exactly what to do, while others seek a healthcare partner. Take time to
get to know your doctor and make sure he or she is the best fit for
your needs.
No symptoms? Your health is still in danger.”
Most signs of diabetes are subtle, and appear gradually over time,
Dr. Hamdy says. But just because you feel fine doesn’t mean your
diabetes isn’t progressing. Keep a close watch over your
numbers—including your blood glucose, blood pressure, and hemoglobin
A1c—to ensure you aren’t at risk for diabetes complications, such as
heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Diabetes is a lifelong challenge …”
There’s no cure for diabetes, and avoiding its long-term health risks
takes consistent effort. “Diabetes is unique in that self-management is
such an important part of the treatment,” Dr. O'Shaughnessy says. Your
doctor can act as a coach, motivator or resource, but the daily task of
diabetes management is in your hands.
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