The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
When it comes to your overall health, glucose management can play a major role—especially if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. One of the best ways to get a handle on it is by working with your doctor to figure out the best management plan
for you.
The more you play an active role in your appointments, the more they can help you reach your goals. Your doctor typically has an agenda for your visit, and you can too. Make the most of the limited time you have with your doctor by bringing a doctor visit checklist with the information they need to get a full picture of your health and your glucose management. Here are some tips to set you up for success:
1. Prepare your
health facts
Taking a little bit of time to gather some key facts can go a long way toward making sure your doctor has everything they need to make informed decisions about your glucose management plan:
- Doctors and diagnoses: Come prepared with a list of the doctors you're seeing and your vaccination history. Note any recent changes in your health, symptoms, or new diagnoses.
- Glucose information: Whether you use a logbook, a blood glucose meter, or a glucose tracker like a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or glucose biosensor, any glucose history you have can help your doctor work with you determine the best treatment. Even the past 2-4 weeks of glucose trends reveals much more about your daily glucose management than your A1C can.
- Lifestyle and diet: Bring details about your diet, exercise routine, and any big lifestyle changes. Note any difficulties you’ve had in following your diet or exercise plan. If you keep a food diary, bring that as well.
2. Bring a list of medications
Before you head to your appointment, make sure you’ve pulled together a list of all medications you’re taking—including vitamin or other supplements—and the dosages for each. Note any side effects or affordability issues you’re experiencing and if you have any problems administering or remembering to take your meds.
If you’re unsure about dosages, you can bring pictures of the bottles or the actual bottles instead. Knowing what you’re currently taking and how much helps your doctor make more informed choices on how to adjust your treatment.
3. Define your priorities
First and foremost, it’s important to know your A1C and ask what your glucose goals are. Gaining control of your glucose and staying in a healthy range is important for improving your health. Your doctor can help you understand where you’re at, where you want to be, and how to get there.
You may have other goals in mind, like minimizing diabetes medications or improving your diet. Jot them down to discuss during your appointment. Be open and honest about your challenges and successes managing your diabetes or prediabetes so your doctor can give you the best guidance possible.
4. Bring info from your glucose biosensor, if you have one
A glucose biosensor can help you manage your glucose and keep track of patterns or fluctuations. The Stelo glucose biosensor is a small wearable that sends glucose readings 24/7 to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. The app also displays info about your glucose management, like average glucose, time in range, and time above/below target.
If you use a glucose biosensor, review your data ahead of time and have your glucose trends ready to share. Write down any burning questions you have so your doctor can give you suggestions.
If you’re a Stelo user, you can access even more data than what’s available in your Stelo app through Dexcom Clarity.
Dexcom Clarity allows you to:
- See up to 90 days of glucose data history
- Have more visibility into when your glucose levels go above or below the range of 70mg/dL–250mg/dL.
- Share glucose data directly with your doctor if you wish
To access your historical data, visit clarity.dexcom.com and log in with your Stelo app credentials.
5. Involve your support team
You don’t have to manage your health journey alone. If you have a significant other, family member, or close friend in your life who can support you, feel free to bring them to your appointment. They can listen and learn along with you. Your doctor’s goal is to help you be the best version of yourself. If having extra support enables you to reach your goals, they’ll be all for it.
Remember, glucose management is an ongoing process and there is no “perfect.” The treatment plan your doctor chooses now might not be the same later. Be open to changes and suggestions. For example, if your doctor suggests diet changes, it doesn’t mean you’ve been doing anything wrong; they're just trying to help you reach your goals with as little medication as possible. Do your best, keep up with regular appointments, and lean on your doctor for support and guidance. You got this.
Curated & reviewed by: Deborah Greenwood,
PhD, RN, CNS, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES
PhD, RN, CNS, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES
Deborah Greenwood is a clinical nurse specialist, diabetes care and education specialist, board certified in advanced diabetes management.
