10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Diabetes Complications
- 1. What diabetes complications do I have?
- 2. What symptoms of diabetes complications should I watch for?
Answer:
If you have diabetes, keeping track of changes in your body is important. If you get evaluated, screened, and treated early, you can prevent the problem from getting much worse -- and possibly even save your life.
- 3. Are there treatments for my diabetes complications?
Answer:
You may need drugs to help control blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. If you suffer from pain because of nerve damage caused by diabetes, there are medications that treat painful neuropathy symptoms, too. Having your vision and eyes checked routinely will help your doctor decide whether you need treatment for eye complications associated with diabetes.
- 4. Do I need to see specialists about diabetes complications?
Answer:
Regular visits to an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist), foot doctor (podiatrist), and dentist can help prevent serious diabetes complications. Your primary care physician can manage our diabetes and refer you to other specialist when needed.
- 5. If I have trouble keeping blood sugar under control, what should I do?
Answer:
It's important that you check your blood sugar regularly. The more often you check, the better able you are to determine if a change in your diabetes management is needed. Keep records every time you check blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Talk to your doctor if you don't reach your targets. There are different options available to help improve your glucose control. You may need to make changes in your diet, exercise, or medications.
- 6. If a diabetes drug isn't working, what should I do? What about side effects?
Answer:
Never stop taking a diabetes drug, even if you don't feel that it is working. Your doctor can tell you how quickly to expect changes. If side effects are bothering you, tell your doctor right away. Make a list of all the medications you take, include over-the-counter drugs, and show your doctor.
- 7. I'm taking medications for other conditions. Will they affect my diabetes?
Answer:
Some medications can interact with and affect the diabetes or heart drugs you're taking. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you're taking, even over the counter drugs, vitamins, and other supplements.
- 8. How can I prevent foot problems due to diabetes?
Answer:
If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for a foot care checklist to follow every day. Good blood sugar control is key to preventing nerve pain damage. If you have developed pain, numbness, or burning in your feet, let your doctor know. Simple over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help. Other medications are also available to treat pain caused by diabetic nerve damage.
- 9. How will I know if there is kidney damage from diabetes?
Answer:
Kidney damage caused by diabetes happens long before you get any symptoms. Ask your doctor about your kidney function, if you are at risk for this complication, and whether there are prevention steps and treatments that can be taken to avoid this complication from worsening.
- 10. I seem to get a lot of skin problems. What should I do?
Answer:
Slow-healing sores, itchy and dry skin, and yeast infections are some skin problems caused by diabetes. Inspect your skin, and clean, dry, and moisturize your skin daily. Ask your doctor about skin care.
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