5 Tips for Your Next Diabetes Checkup

From scheduling to cancellations and back to rescheduling, making a doctor’s appointment can be extremely time consuming. And then when you get there, it seems like it goes by in a heartbeat. That’s because it normally does. On average, a typical doctor’s visit lasts only about 15 minutes.^[1]

Therefore, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to make the most from your next diabetes checkup. Today, we offer up 5 tips, which we hope will help make your next visit a meaningful one.

1. Symptoms or complications?

Do your homework well before your visit. Yes, people always say to prepare questions ahead of time and write down a list of any symptoms or complications that you are experiencing.^[2] But don’t wait for the last minute; make sure you prepare this at least a few days ahead of your visit.

2. Grab your logbook

Make sure you have your blood glucose readings on hand to review with your doctor. And when you’re using Dario, this will be a breeze because you can easily access your diabetes logbook in our app. In addition, you can also print it out to take with you to the appointment. Highlight days that you had difficulty keeping your blood sugars in range and talk about what might have led to the instability in your blood sugar for that day.

3. Don’t sweat it

We’ve all been there. Doctor visits can be uncomfortable, but don’t shy away from bringing up difficult topics like depression, sexual dysfunction, and toilet troubles.

A large part of diabetes management falls on your shoulders, but somethings you can’t take care of singlehandedly. Since checkups are so infrequent, don’t push it off; it’s your health on the line. Remember, many times these issues can be indications of bigger health issues like heart disease or side effects of medication. So, don’t sweat it, tell your doctor everything pertinent to your diabetes care. Odds are your doctor has heard it before and can help.

4. Newbies to diabetes

Getting diagnosed with diabetes can be a shock, especially with T1D, and your first doctor’s visit might be overwhelming.

However, if you are new to diabetes, make sure your doctor explains the condition to you and refers you to a diabetes nurse or Certified Diabetes Educator.^[3] Many people manage their diabetes; it takes work, and getting into a good routine and understanding the disease is extremely important.

5. The clock is ticking

Finally, know that your visit will be short, but don’t take it personally. If you feel like you need more time demand it. Nevertheless, bear in mind that your life is lived outside your doctor’s office. With that in mind, make a goal for yourself that you can accomplish before your next visit.

Some people might need to lose weight, others could set a goal of lowering their blood glucose levels, and yet other may need to measure more often. The list goes on, but take time to think about how you can report back to your next visit happier and healthier.

Start now… the clock is ticking!