NaturalMedications

Today most doctors treat their patients as knowledgeable adults who have educated themselves about illnesses and treatment options-in fact, responsibility is shifting to the patient to be an active participant in the process.

One of the biggest challenges that people with diabetes have is keeping in close contact with their doctor over the long term. Doctors are busy people, but regular conversation with your healthcare providers gives you the best chance to control your diabetes and reduce your risk of complications. Here are some tips to help you maximize the time spent with your doctor and keep the lines of communication open as you manage your diabetes health plan:

Sit down and think about your upcoming visit. Here are some typical questions your doctor may ask:

• What is your race/ethnicity?
• Does anyone in your family history have type 2 diabetes?
• Are you over 45 ?
• What is your body mass index (BMI)?
• How often do you exercise?
• Have you had your cholesterol triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked within the last year?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with prediabetes or with impaired glucose tolerance?
• What is your diet like ?
• Have you noticed any skin darkening around the neck or armpits?
• Have you ever had gestational diabetes (women only)?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (women only)?
• Have you experienced any of the following recently?

Extreme hunger
Weight loss
Increased thirst and/or frequent urination
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Erectile dysfunction
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Sores or infections on your feet

If you have particular symptoms to report, think about what time of day they happen, how long they last, whether they have been getting worse or better, and whether or not they interfere with your daily activities.

Prepare a list of questions and concerns beforehand (it's not as easy to think when you're on that exam table!). Here is a sample of some questions you may want to ask:

• What is my risk for diabetes?
• What can I do to lower my risk of developing diabetes?
• What is my blood sugar level?
• How often should I have my blood sugar tested for diabetes?
• What is my body mass index or BMI? Do I need to lose weight for my health?
• What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me and what do I need to do about it?
• What are my cholesterol numbers and triglycerides? What should I do about them?
• What type of exercise should I be doing?
• What is a healthy eating plan for me?
  
• What types of foods will help me control my risk of diabetes?
• What are the treatment options for diabetes?

Provide a complete list of medications (prescription and over-the-counter), including any pain relievers, vitamins, supplements, and herbs you are taking or have taken recently.

Research (online, at the library, or through your insurance company) new treatments or medications for diabetes that you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Make notes of what the doctor says. You can do this in the exam room or in the waiting room after your appointment. Be sure that you know what the doctor said and that you understand any medical terms he or she used. If not, ask for an explanation before you leave.

You should be comfortable asking questions of your health care providers, talking about all of your medical issues, and being honest about how well you stick to your diet, exercise, and medication plan.  Otherwise, it's time to make a change. If you have new information about diabetes, diabetes products, or diabetes medications to discuss with your doctor, make sure you talk about them during your visit.  Remember that you are the ultimate director of your treatment plan. Often, your doctor will have advance knowledge of products and medications-if not, maybe you can provide him or her with a learning experience!

Because physicians are often pressed for time, you may wish to arrange a phone call after office hours to explore issues further. Doctors often make calls from the office after they have finished seeing patients. Establishing a good relationship with members of the office staff helps communication as well. They often have significant medical knowledge and can pass questions directly to the doctor in between appointments.

The main message: sit and think, do research, come prepared, ask questions, and persist until your questions are answered.