What to Ask Your Diabetes Doctor: A Visit Checklist
A diabetes consultation can feel rushed. Many people leave the clinic realising they forgot to ask
something important, or that they did not understand what the doctor said. With a little preparation, you
can make every visit more productive. This checklist helps you get the most from your doctor, whether it
is your first visit or a routine follow-up.
Before Your Visit
- Gather all previous reports, including HbA1c, sugar readings, cholesterol, kidney, liver, and thyroid
tests, eye and foot reports, and discharge summaries. - List every medicine, supplement, and herbal product you take, including doses and timings. Bring the
strips or the prescriptions. - Bring your glucose log, or the glucometer, and any blood pressure readings.
- Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any changes in weight, appetite, sleep, or
energy. - Note your family history of diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid problems.
- Bring a family member who helps with meals or medicines.
- Follow instructions about fasting before blood tests
Be Honest About Your Habits
Doctors cannot help effectively if they do not know what really happens at home. Share your usual
meals, snacks, sweets, tea, alcohol, and tobacco use. Say honestly if you skip medicines, forget doses,
or avoid exercise. A good doctor will not judge you, and will use this information to build a plan that
works.
Questions About Your Diagnosis and Targets
- What type of diabetes do I have, and what is causing my high sugar?
- What are my HbA1c, fasting, and post-meal targets?
- What is my blood pressure and cholesterol target?
- Do I have any complications now?
- Could any other condition, such as thyroid disease or fatty liver, be involved?
Questions About Medicines
- What does each medicine do, and when should I take it?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Can I take my other medicines and supplements with these?
- Are there any medicines I should avoid, such as certain painkillers?
- Could my medicines be reduced in the future if I improve my lifestyle?
Questions About Food and Activity
- What should my plate look like?
- Which of my usual foods can I keep, and which should I reduce?
- Can you refer me to a nutritionist, or write a meal plan?
- How much exercise should I do, and what kind is safe for me?
- Is there anything I should avoid because of my eyes, feet, or heart?
Questions About Monitoring and Safety
- How often should I check my sugar, and at what times?
- What readings should make me call you?
- What are the signs of low sugar, and how should I treat it?
- What should I do when I am ill, with fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea?
- When should I go to the emergency room?
Questions About Screening and Follow-Up
- Which tests do I need, and how often?
- When should my eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet be checked?
- Do I need vaccinations?
- When is my next visit, and what should I do before it?
- How can I contact the clinic with questions between visits?
During the Consultation
Take notes, or ask a family member to do so. If you do not understand a term, ask the doctor to explain
it in simple words. Repeat the plan back in your own words to confirm. Ask for a written summary of
your medicines, targets, and next steps.
After the Visit
Review your notes the same day while they are fresh. Set reminders for medicines and tests, and
update your family. Start with one or two changes rather than everything at once. If something does not
feel right, or you have side effects, contact your doctor instead of stopping treatment.
Care at Dr. Rajender’s Lifestyle Clinic
The clinic offers structured, evidence-based care for Type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension,
PCOS, obesity, and metabolic conditions, with personalised nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle
correction, and continuous medical guidance, and welcomes your questions at every visit.
Book a Consultation
Visit https://www.drrajenderslifestyleclinic.com/ to learn more and book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fast before my first diabetes consultation?
Not always. Follow the instructions given when you book, since some blood tests need fasting while
consultations do not.
Can I bring a family member?
Yes. A family member can help you remember advice and support the changes at home.
What if I forget my reports?
Bring whatever you have, and photos of reports on your phone also help. Your doctor can repeat tests if
needed.
Is it okay to ask for a second opinion?
Yes. It is reasonable to seek another opinion, and sharing your reports helps the new doctor.
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