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

Night Before:

• 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?”

Follow-Up Questions:

• “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?”

Cost and Coverage:

• “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?”

Practical Concerns:

• “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?”

Safety Considerations:

• “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

Stay Focused:

• Stick to 3-4 main topics
• Ask for clarification if confused
• Take notes or record (with permission)

Be Honest:

• 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 visit

Track 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:

Questions to Ask:

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

Simple Solutions:

• Large print checklist
• Color-coded folders
• Sticky notes for reminders
• Magnifying glass for forms

Conclusion: Empowered Appointments

Your diabetes doctor questions checklist is more than just a list – it’s your tool for taking control of your health care. By preparing thoughtfully and asking the right questions, you ensure that every appointment moves you closer to your health goals.

Remember, no question is too small or silly. Your doctor wants to help you succeed, and clear communication is the foundation of good diabetes care. Use this checklist to make every appointment count.

Print this guide, customize it for your needs, and bring it to every visit. Your future self will thank you for being so well-prepared.

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