If your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, you both will likely have a lot of questions. Your first resource should be the healthcare team, as they can help navigate any confusion or uncertainty. Asking the most relevant questions will help you know what to anticipate and how to take action.
Use this list to help prepare questions for the provider ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your loved one's next appointment.
Symptoms
What are the signs that blood sugar is too high?
What are the signs that blood sugar is too low?
What complications can result from blood sugar that is too high or too low?
When do we call the provider?
When do we call an ambulance?
Diet
How does sugar affect my loved one? How much sugar can they have?
How do carbs affect my loved one? What is their daily carb limit?
What foods increase blood sugar the most?
How does water affect blood sugar? How much water should they drink daily?
Can my loved one have alcohol?
What are the best evening snacks?
What is the best rescue food for low blood sugar?
What foods help with weight loss goals?
Do you recommend connecting with a Registered Dietician or Nutritionist?
Activity and exercise
What needs to be done before starting an exercise program?
What types of activities and exercises are best for:
lowering blood sugar?
weight loss?
What activities or exercises should be avoided?
When should blood sugar be checked during exercise?
Should my loved one eat before or during exercise?
Do medications need to be adjusted with exercise?
What should they have with them when they exercise?
How should diabetes be handled when traveling?
Medications and therapies
How often should blood sugar be checked?
Would continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) be beneficial?
How often should blood pressure be checked?
How often should A1c, cholesterol, and kidney function be checked?
How do you decide which medications to prescribe (oral agents versus insulin), and why did you choose them?
When should they be taken?
What happens if a dose is missed?
Are there any side effects? Will they go away?
Will my loved one ever be able to stop the medications?
How, specifically, will we know if the medicines are working?
Should my loved one have a Glucagon emergency kit at home/on hand?
Should they get a medical alert bracelet or pendant?
Do you recommend connecting with a Diabetes Educator?
What other healthcare appointments should we make and how often? (eyes, feet, dental)
Feet
How is a proper foot exam conducted, and how often?
How are pedal (foot) pulses checked?
What concerns are found on a foot exam and who should be called? (PCP, podiatrist)
Is it okay for us to trim toenails?
What type of shoes and socks should be worn?In case of illness
What should my loved one eat or drink? What should they avoid eating or drinking?
Should medication adjustments be made?
How often should blood sugar be checked?
Are there special concerns with vomiting or diarrhea?
When should we call a provider? An ambulance?
Other
If diabetes is properly managed, can we avoid complications in the future, or should we expect some complications regardless? If so, what?
