Diabetes: What to Expect When You Visit Your Doctor
By mdssite | May 19, 2010
It is recommended for a person with diabetes to work closely with his physician. Regular visits to your doctor are crucial in preventing serious complications that are associated with diabetes. As a diabetic patient, it is your duty to take care of your body. You should never neglect or ignore the importance of regular medical check-ups in keeping your diabetes in control.
If it’s going to be your visit with a doctor, what are the things you should expect? Here are some practical suggestions that a diabetic should do whenever visiting their doctor for their scheduled check-up:
1. Your weight would be checked. Your weight would always be checked each time you see your doctor. It is a fact that being overweight plays a big role in the development and aggravation of diabetes. Every diabetic must strive to stay within his ideal body weight.
2. Your blood pressure would be checked. A blood pressure that is too high or too low can be a symptom of diabetes complications. Thus, to be sure that your health is in control, your blood pressure would always be measured.
3. Ask questions. As a patient, learning as much as you can about your disease can make a big difference in your health and well-being. If you have any concern regarding your health, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about them. Be sure to tell your doctor all the signs and symptoms that you may experience since your last visit.
If there are things you don’t understand about diabetes, it’s best to ask your doctor about them. Take note that there are some issues that your doctor may not discuss. It is up to you to raise these questions so your doctor can provide the explanation you need. For instance, your doctor may not bring up the topic of blindness, amputation or other possible complications. By raising questions, you also help your doctor to enlighten you more about the disease.
4. Take down notes. When visiting your doctor, it is also a good idea to jot down notes. This way, you can be sure that you’ll remember all the important advices and reminders that your doctor gives. It’s also recommended to write down your questions in advance before your scheduled check-up so you can ask your doctor about them.
5. Your A1C level would be checked. The A1C is the average of your blood sugar levels within the past two to four months. Knowing this average also helps your doctor to decide which treatment is best appropriate for your condition.