Diabetes Doctor Questions Checklist: Your Guide to Better Appointments
This article provides general information about diabetes management and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Having a diabetes doctor questions checklist can help ensure you get the most out of your consultations. Preparing for your diabetes doctor appointments can feel overwhelming, but having a clear diabetes doctor questions checklist makes these visits more productive and less stressful. As a Medicare senior managing diabetes, you deserve to get the most from every medical appointment.Why You Need a Diabetes Doctor Questions Checklist
Doctor visits can be rushed, and it’s easy to forget important questions when you’re in the moment. A well-organized checklist helps ensure you discuss everything that matters for your diabetes care. 📋 Keep this checklist on your phone or print it out to bring to every appointment. Consider asking a family member or caregiver to help you review it before visits.Before Your Appointment: Preparation Checklist
What to Gather:
- [ ] Recent blood sugar readings or CGM data
- [ ] List all current medications and supplements
- [ ] Write down any symptoms or concerns
- [ ] Review your Medicare coverage status
- [ ] Bring your reading glasses and hearing aids if needed
- [ ] Insurance cards and photo ID
- [ ] Emergency contact information
- [ ] List of other doctors you see
- [ ] Recent lab results if done elsewhere
- [ ] Pharmacy information
Pre-Visit Tasks:
One Week Before:- Confirm appointment time and location
- Arrange transportation if needed
- Start tracking symptoms
- Write down questions as they occur
- Review your questions
- Pack your appointment bag
- Set out comfortable clothes
- Charge your phone or CGM device
Essential Questions About Your Diabetes Management
Blood Sugar Control
Ask Your Doctor:- “Are my A1C and blood sugar numbers where they should be?”
- “How often should I check my blood sugar?”
- “What should I do when my numbers are too high or low?”
- “Would a CGM be right for me?”
- “What patterns do you see in my readings?”
- “Should I adjust my testing schedule?”
- “What’s my target range?”
- “When should I call about concerning numbers?”
- “How does my age affect my targets?”
Medication Questions
Current Medications:- “Are my current doses still appropriate?”
- “Are there newer medications I should consider?”
- “Can any of my medications be reduced or stopped?”
- “What side effects should I watch for?”
- “How do my diabetes meds interact with my other prescriptions?”
- “Are there generic options to save money?”
- “Does Medicare cover this medication?”
- “Are there patient assistance programs?”
- “Can I get 90-day supplies?”
Diet and Nutrition
Eating Plan Questions:- “Should I see a dietitian?”
- “What specific foods should I limit?”
- “How many carbs should I eat per meal?”
- “Is my current weight healthy?”
- “What about alcohol – is it safe?”
- “How do I handle special occasions?”
- “What if I have trouble cooking?”
- “Are meal delivery services appropriate?”
- “How do I read food labels correctly?”
Physical Activity
Exercise Questions:- “What exercises are safe for me?”
- “How often should I be active?”
- “When should I check blood sugar around exercise?”
- “What precautions should I take?”
- “Can you refer me to physical therapy?”
- “What about balance exercises?”
- “Should I wear medical identification?”
- “What if I feel dizzy during activity?”
- “How do I prevent low blood sugar?”
Questions About Complications and Prevention
Eye Health
- “When is my next eye exam due?”
- “Are there signs of diabetic eye disease?”
- “Should I see a retina specialist?”
- “How often should I have dilated exams?”
- “What vision changes should I report immediately?”
Foot Care
- “Can you check my feet today?”
- “Do I need to see a podiatrist?”
- “What daily foot care should I do?”
- “Are diabetic shoes covered by Medicare?”
- “What foot problems need immediate attention?”
Heart and Kidney Health
- “What’s my blood pressure goal?”
- “Do I need kidney function tests?”
- “Should I see a cardiologist?”
- “What are my cholesterol targets?”
- “How often should these be checked?”
Nerve Health
- “Could my symptoms be neuropathy?”
- “What can help with numbness or tingling?”
- “Are there treatments for nerve pain?”
- “Should I see a neurologist?”
- “How do I protect myself from injury?”
Medicare and Insurance Questions
Coverage Questions:
- What diabetes supplies does Medicare cover?
- “Do I qualify for a CGM through Medicare?”
- “How often can I get new testing supplies?”
- “What documentation do you need to provide?”
- “Are there forms I need to sign?”
Prior Authorizations:
- “Which medications need prior authorization?”
- “How long do authorizations last?”
- “What if Medicare denies coverage?”
Technology and Device Questions
For Current Device Users:
- “Am I using my meter/CGM correctly?”
- “How accurate are my devices?”
- “When should devices be replaced?”
- “Can you help me understand the data?”
- “Are there newer models available?”
For Those Considering Devices:
- “Would technology help my management?”
- “What training is available?”
- “How do I get started?”
- “What if I’m not tech-savvy?”
Lifestyle and Daily Living
Managing Daily Life:
- “How do I handle sick days?”
- “What about traveling with diabetes?”
- “Can I still drive safely?”
- “How do I manage during holidays?”
- “What if I live alone?”
Emergency Planning:
- “What supplies should I keep on hand?”
- “When should I call 911?”
- “What information should family know?”
- “Do I need a medical alert bracelet?”
Mental Health and Support
Emotional Wellbeing:
- “I’m feeling overwhelmed – what help is available?”
- “Are support groups covered by Medicare?”
- “Could depression be affecting my diabetes?”
- “What about diabetes burnout?”
- “Can you refer me to a counselor?”
Building Support:
- “Should family attend appointments?”
- “What education is available for caregivers?”
- “Are there senior-specific programs?”
Questions About Future Care
Planning Ahead:
- “How often should I see you?”
- “What other specialists should I see?”
- “What changes might I expect as I age?”
- “How will my care needs evolve?”
- “What preventive care do I need?”
Research and Advances:
- “Are there new treatments coming?”
- “Would I benefit from clinical trials?”
- “What advances should I know about?”
During Your Appointment: Communication Tips
Make the Most of Your Time:
Start Strong:- State your main concern first
- Mention how long symptoms lasted
- Be specific about problems
- Stick to 3-4 main topics
- Ask for clarification if confused
- Take notes or record (with permission)
- Share struggles with management
- Admit if not taking medications
- Discuss financial concerns
If You Don’t Understand:
Say:- “Can you explain that differently?”
- “What does that term mean?”
- “Can you write that down?”
- “May I bring someone next time?”
After Your Appointment: Follow-Up Checklist
Before Leaving:
- [ ] Understand new prescriptions
- [ ] Know when to return
- [ ] Have test orders if needed
- [ ] Get summary of visit
- [ ] Schedule next appointment
At Home:
- [ ] Fill new prescriptions
- [ ] Update medication list
- [ ] Schedule recommended tests
- [ ] Share updates with family
- [ ] File paperwork
Within One Week:
- [ ] Start new treatments
- [ ] Call with any questions
- [ ] Report side effects
- [ ] Track changes
Red Flags: When to Call Between Visits
Call Immediately For:
- Blood sugar over 300 repeatedly
- Blood sugar under 70 repeatedly
- Signs of infection
- Severe medication reactions
- Unusual symptoms
- Chest pain or breathing issues
Schedule Sooner If:
- Goals aren’t being met
- Medications aren’t working
- New symptoms develop
- Life changes occur
- You need forms completed
Creating Your Personal Checklist
Customize for Your Needs:
Step 1: Print this master list Step 2: Highlight your priorities Step 3: Add personal concerns Step 4: Keep it accessibleStep 5: Update after each visitTrack Your Progress:
Create columns for:- Question asked
- Date discussed
- Doctor’s response
- Follow-up needed
Sample Appointment Organizer
My Next Appointment: Date: _________ Time: _________ Doctor: _________ Top 3 Concerns:Don’t Forget:
- [ ] Medication list
- [ ] Glucose log
- [ ] Insurance cards
- [ ] Questions list
Tips from Other Seniors
Mary, 72: “I email my questions to the doctor’s office before my visit. They appreciate the heads-up, and nothing gets missed.” James, 68: “My daughter joins me via speakerphone. She takes notes while I focus on talking with the doctor.” Linda, 75: “I keep a running list on my refrigerator. Whenever I think of something, I jot it down.”Your Rights as a Patient
Remember You Can:
- Ask questions until you understand
- Request written instructions
- Bring someone with you
- Get a second opinion
- Request more time if needed
- Access your medical records
- Change doctors if necessary
Making Technology Work for You
Helpful Tools:
Smartphone Apps:- Voice recorders for visits
- Medication reminders
- Question trackers
- Appointment calendars
- Large print checklist
- Color-coded folders
- Sticky notes for reminders
- Magnifying glass for forms
