In short
- Appointments are short. A written list of questions makes it more likely you leave with the answers you need.
- The questions below are drawn from lists and advice published by NIDDK, MedlinePlus, CDC and FDA, regrouped and reworded for this page.
- You do not need to ask every question. Pick the ones that matter to you, and add your own.
Before the visit
NIDDK suggests writing a list of questions before you see a clinician, so you do not forget what you wanted to ask, and bringing your blood glucose record or app to review together. A little preparation helps:
- A medicines list. FDA and MedlinePlus both recommend keeping an up-to-date written list of every medicine you take, prescription or not, plus vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and sharing it with each clinician you see.
- Anything that makes taking medicines hard. FDA suggests telling your clinician about things such as difficulty swallowing pills or remembering doses.
- Allergies, and pregnancy or plans for it. FDA and MedlinePlus both list these as things to mention.
- Your notes. Any side effects you have written down, with dates. The side effects guide has an example.
About the medicine itself
NIDDK publishes a list of questions to ask whenever you get a prescription for a diabetes medicine, and suggests filling one in for each medicine you take. These questions follow the same ground, reworded and grouped. The answers are personal, which is why this site leaves them to your prescriber.
- What is this medicine called, both its general name and any brand name on the label?
- What does it do for my diabetes, and how long before it starts to work?
- How much do I take, how often, and at what times of day?
- Should I take it before, with or after a meal?
- Are there foods, drinks or other medicines I should avoid with it? What about alcohol?
- Are there times when the amount I take might need to change?
- What should I do if I forget a dose?
- If I am sick and cannot keep food down, what should I do about this medicine?
- What side effects might I notice, and what should I do if I get them?
- How should I store it?
MedlinePlus also suggests asking your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for patients, which sets out the official details for your particular product.
About safety
These questions come from the warning and precautions on MedlinePlus's metformin page, covered in the guide on serious risks, and from FDA's general advice on medicines.
- Which kidney tests will I need, how often, and what do my results mean for this medicine?
- I have (or have had) a heart, liver or kidney condition, or I drink alcohol. Does that change anything?
- What is my plan if I get a bad stomach bug, a fever, a serious infection, or cannot drink normally?
- I have a scan with injected dye, an operation or dental surgery coming up. Who will tell me what to do about this medicine around it?
- Which symptoms mean I should call you straight away, and which mean I should call emergency services?
- Does any medicine, supplement or herbal product I take interact with this one? FDA suggests asking again each time something new is added.
- I have had low vitamin B12 in the past. Is that relevant?
- I am pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. What does that mean for my diabetes care?
About your numbers
CDC suggests keeping four questions in mind about blood glucose monitoring, and MedlinePlus's page on diabetes medicines adds questions about targets and what to do when readings are out of range. Combined:
- Do I need to check my blood glucose at home? If so, how often and when?
- What is my target range, and what do my readings mean?
- What is my A1C goal, and how often will it be tested?
- What should I do if my glucose is too low or too high?
- Can this medicine, or anything else I take, cause low blood glucose?
- How can I improve or keep up my blood glucose levels?
The blood glucose and A1C guide explains the terms these questions use, so the answers are easier to follow.
About the wider plan
NIDDK describes diabetes care as team work, with you as the most important member, and suggests asking your primary care clinician about adding others to the team. CDC says everyone with diabetes can benefit from diabetes self-management education and support, whether newly diagnosed or living with it for years.
- Could I see a diabetes educator, nurse or registered dietitian?
- Is there a diabetes self-management education program you would refer me to?
- What are my blood pressure and cholesterol goals?
- Which regular checks do I need, such as eyes, feet and kidneys?
- If I have trouble affording my medicines, who can help?
On that last point, NIDDK says to avoid rationing or skipping medicines because of cost, and to talk with your care team instead, since a social worker or other team member may be able to help you find support.
Weighing benefits and risks
FDA's guide Think It Through explains that every medicine, prescription or over-the-counter, has benefits and risks, and that the best choice depends on your situation. It suggests knowing when you should notice an improvement and when to report back, and always asking your clinician about any concern.
Questions in that spirit:
- What benefit should I expect from this medicine, and how will we know it is working?
- What are the main risks for someone like me?
- What other options are there, and why do you suggest this one?
- When should I come back, and what should prompt me to get in touch sooner?
During and after the visit
Write the answers down, or ask if someone can come with you to take notes. If an answer uses a term you do not know, ask for it to be explained; that is an ordinary part of the visit. MedlinePlus advises following the directions on your prescription label and asking your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Afterwards, keep your answers with your medicines list. MedlinePlus's page on diabetes medicines is clear on one point that is worth repeating: do not change or stop your diabetes medicines on your own; talk to your provider first. If something changes between visits, the questions above are a good way to start that conversation.
Worked example
This example is invented and describes no real person. Before a first follow-up visit, someone circles five questions from this page: numbers 3, 11, 13, 20 and 25. They add one of their own about travelling across time zones. At the visit they write each answer beside the question, and keep the sheet with their medicines list.
Next: Living with type 2 diabetes: the basics around the medicine