For some people, a visit to see the doctor can be overwhelming. But with the rise in the cost of healthcare, it is very important to be prepared ahead of time. This is even more important if you have diabetes. In this article I share seven important tips that will help you reap more benefits out of a visit to your healthcare provider.
TIP NUMBER ONE- TAKE ALONG RECORD OF YOUR SUGARS
It is very easy to keep a record of your sugars. You do not need fancy computer software. All you need is a small memo notebook. You can get this at any office supply or drug store. What you need to do is to divide the page into at least two columns. The first column is for the date and time that you check your blood sugars. The second column is to a record of your blood sugar levels. In my e-book, I show a way to check your sugars once a day. Over the period of a week you be able to trend of how your blood sugars are running.
TIP NUMBER TWO- TAKE ALONG YOUR GLUCOMETER
I like to look at the blood sugar readings on my patients’ glucometers. A number of the new generation glucometers provide a lot of valuable information. For instance some machines average the sugars over say a 14-30 day period. Others may average the blood sugars before and after meals. This is a great teaching tool for diabetic patients. It allows them to see how their blood sugars affects their overall health and wellbeing.
TIP NUMBER THREE- PREPARE TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AND SOCKS
Foot care is very important. It helps to prevent foot infections, which could lead to other complications. I insist on looking at the feet of all my diabetic patients at least every 2-3 months. Why? It is important to make sure that you have sensation on the bottom of your feet. Your physician can perform a very simple test called a fine filament test on your feet. If you do not feel the filament being pressed on the bottom of your feet, you may be developing a complication called diabetic neuropathy. This is when the nerves are damaged and you can no longer feel your feet. The danger is that you could step on a nail for instance and not know because you could not feel it. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the leading reasons why diabetics suffer amputations. So make sure that your doctor performs this test on your feet every three months.
TIP NUMBER FOUR- ALWAYS CARRY A SNACK
Has this ever happened to you? You are at the doctor’s office and the wait time is longer than you planned. But you had taken your medications earlier on in the day. Next you begin to experience the ‘bottoming out’ sensation as your sugars take a nose-dive. Next thing you know it you’re being carted into a waiting ambulance to the emergency room! I advise my patients to carry around a piece of ‘hard candy’. I also like glucerna meal replacement bars. So always be sure to take a snack along with you wherever you go.
TIP NUMBER FIVE- IF YOUR APPOINTMENT IS FIRST THING IN THE MORNING THEN DO NOT EAT BREAKFAST.
Take advantage of an early morning appointment with your doctor and arrive ‘fasting’. Nowadays, a lot of healthcare providers may perform blood tests in their offices. Your doctor may check your blood sugar, A1C and lipid profile.
TIP NUMBER SIX- TAKE ALONG A JOURNAL
Living powerfully with diabetes requires that you do things a little differently than the crowd. Keeping a journal or a diary is one of those things. A lot of times, a journal is for your personal use. However at times it may help your physician to detect why your sugars may be running high or low. For example, you keep a record of what you eat write what you eat, and you notice some foods that make your blood sugars go up. This gives you a good idea of knowing what foods to reduce or take out of your diet completely. You may find out that stress affects your blood sugars. Some people may prefer to journal and record their blood sugars in the same book. Decide what works for you and just do it.
TIP NUMBER SEVEN- BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE
Treating type 2 diabetes can be challenging. So be prepared for change. Diabetes is a disease that can get worse over time. As time goes on it may get harder to control your blood sugars. The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin in the body. Over time, it gets worn out and is no longer able to produce enough insulin. For example you’ve been on a medication for a long time. Until your blood sugars are well controlled. All of a sudden your blood sugars start running high. Your doctor may decide to add another medication or even insulin. Always realize that your doctor has your best interest at heart. I know that there are a lot of skeptics out there about the pharmaceutical industry. Research is being conducted to develop new drugs, which may help preserve the function of the pancreas. There are a few diabetics out there who are able to control their blood sugars with diet and exercise.
So to reduce the potential complications of type 2 diabetes it is important to follow your doctor’s advice. In order to follow their advice, you will need to be able to make the best use of time when you have a scheduled visit.