What would you ask your Dr.?

Neiler · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 11:10 AM

I have my first appointment with a Dr. who is a Diabetes Specialist next week. Does anyone have any advice on questions that would be appropriate to ask?

rzrbks · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 01:54 PM

When I went mine for the 1st time:

In no particular order, mostly as I remember them

1. I wanted to know when he would feel OK aboout me changing my Basal and bolus dosages

2. How often he wanted A1c done

3. His requirements for me to renew scripts

4. How fast his office would respond to my request for renewing scripts

5. Target B/G range he wanted me in

6. Target A1c range he wanted

7. effect of insulins on my weight and his feelings about what they might do to my weight

I'll post others if I think of them

liz32 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 01:56 PM

you want to ask to see a nutritionist, any basic carb advise he/she can give inthe mean time; ask for him/her to lay out a plan of action that will help you with control. Make sure you get to doc to explain anything that doesn't make sense....and don't settle for a lax attitude....you don't want a wait and see attitude...just a few ideas
liz

Neiler · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 09:52 AM

Hey rzrbks and liz32 - Thanks for the info. I've got all that on my "list" to bring to the Dr.

Thanks agian....

Gordonm · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 02:23 PM

I'm very proactive about my care and Diabetes. I will tell the Dr. what I want and listen to his response. You should already know how many times you should have an A1C done and what your target ranges are. As far as changing my basal and bolus I do it quite often depending on my activities and what I am doing. They only see you for a few minutes every couple of months. He/she does not live with diabetes like we do, they can advise you on procedures but you should be taking control of it yourself. I have had diabetes for 32 years and my A1cs have been in the 5.6 to 6.2 range for the last ten years with no complications. I will admit I have had some really poor Drs. in the years and have moved on from them. I have found a diabetes educator that has helped me more in the last 6 months than any Dr. ever has. She has diabetes herself and can relate to what we go through. I certainly don't want anyone taking this the wrong way but go into the Dr. and be assertive and tell him what you are looking to do to keep healthy.

Neiler · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 05:38 PM

Hey there Gordanm - Thanks for the info. I agree, that is the tack to take. The more you do for yourself - the better. The way I look at it - it's a Team effort with the Dr./Educator/Dietican - and you've got to be the Captain of your own Team....

Keezheekoni · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 08:06 PM

I like a doctor who lets me have their email address. I tend to be up at 3 AM, when they aren't, and have a pressing question that I know I'll forget by the time I can call the office. Email is easy and they can answer on their own time.

I also like to know what their policies are on scripts (like rzrbks), since I always like to have paper scripts on hand in case I run out for some strange reason. I have one doc who used to not give out paper scripts, would only fax them...now she has a computerized office and I can get the paper ones from her.

I would also ask if they require you to take any classes, and where the classes are located. I like taking classes, but only because it gets me out of the house!

Ask what kinds of logs they require you to have with you at each appointment. I don't like docs who micromanage me, so I refuse to see a doc who wants a food log, every bg test I take written down, how many carbs of what I ate, etc. I also don't have time to write all that down. I have a pump, it knows my bgs and my carbs. If the doc wants more than that, I refuse. But, I've been doing this so long I'm tired of micromanagers!

Dan Gato · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-2007, 08:29 PM

Neiler, You should take your BG meter with you.
Also your BG's readings, before & after meals, that'll help her/him to see how you've done. If you have time, prepare some charts, I did.

Set your next appointment two months from this appointment.
Unless you think that that's micro-management.
Ask him to inspect your feet. & maybe for a podiatrist referral.
If you want a lipids test, go fasting, 8 hrs.
Good luck !

Neiler · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 06:13 AM

Hey there Rikki and Dan Gato - Thanks for the advice.

I'm still new to this game - but I can see where it's a fine line between having a Dr. getting the info you/they need - and - getting in the way.

For now, I'll gather all the data I can (as per many of the recommendations above) and let my Dr. help me sort it all out. Perhpas I'll eventually get to the point where I'll be more comforatble with managing and dealing with that data on my own.

There is definately a lot to learn!

With all the books, online resources and of course the good folks here at DF - my head is going to explode with all the new info that I'm cramming in there...