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Checklists are useful tools that help people with diabetes
effectively manage their disease by keeping track of test results,
general health goals, questions to ask a doctor and more. Because
diabetes is a complex condition, one checklist is not enough. Instead,
it’s best to keep several checklists, one for each component of
diabetes care.
Diabetes Medication Checklist
Whether a diabetic takes
insulin injections, oral diabetes medication, blood pressure pills or
something else, it’s important to know what each medication does and
how to use it properly. At each office visit, make sure to get refills
for prescriptions used on a regular basis. A medication checklist
should include the following questions:
What medications are needed and what do they do?
1.What side effects are there?
2.When should they be taken?
3.How should they be stored?
4.What is the proper dosage?
5.When do they expire?
6.How do they interact with food?
7.What should be done if a dose is missed
Blood Sugar Levels Checklist
The benefits of keeping blood sugar levels within a range specified by
a doctor cannot be overstated.
1.How often should blood sugar be tested?
2.How can a high blood sugar level be lowered?
3.Within what range should my blood sugar levels be?
4.How low is too low? What should be done if my blood sugar is too
low?
5.What information is necessary to record each test?
6.How do I find patterns in my blood sugar readings? What do I do once
I see a pattern?
7.Is my blood glucose meter accurate? When do I have to calibrate it?
8.When should I call the doctor with questions and when should I go to
the emergency room instead?
9.Use a preprinted diabetic calendar/log book (available from a doctor
or the
American Diabetes Association) to keep track of blood
sugar readings, food intake and medications. Online sources like
Dia-Log.com can also be used.
Nutrition and Exercise Checklist
Understanding the relationship between food, diabetes medication and
activity levels is essential to help control blood sugar levels. Each
interacts with the others. Finding a balance can be time consuming,
but will be well worth it. Diabetics should ask their health care
provider the following questions:
1.Can you recommend a meal plan for me?
2.How much exercise do I need? If I’m not at that level, how can I
improve?
3.What is my ideal weight? Is my meal plan helping me get there?
4.Do I have limitations on what I can do physically?
5.What are carbohydrates and how do they impact my blood sugar?
6.How can I add strength training to my daily life?
7.How much fat should be in my
diet? What type of fat should it be?
8.Do I need more cardiovascular exercise?
Tests and Other Questions Checklist
Because diabetes can affect the entire body, diabetics need to monitor
different body functions. Diabetics should ask the following questions
of their health-care provider:
1.What is my blood pressure reading? What should it be?
2.What other tests do I need? When do I need them?
3.What was my last HA1c result? What should it be? When do I need
another?
4.Do I need a microalbumin urine test?
5.How should I care for my feet?
6.What are my total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides levels?
Are they where they should be?
7.When and where should I get my eyes tested?
Assembling a Medical Team Checklist
Managing diabetes can seem overwhelming at times. Most people find it
helpful to assemble a team to help them achieve their goals. Diabetics
should ask their doctor the following questions:
1.Do I need a nutritionist or dietitian?
2.Should I see a physical therapist or personal trainer?
3.Will I benefit from seeing a social worker or psychologist?
4.Do I need a podiatrist?
5.Is it important for me to see an ophthalmologist?
6.Should I see a cardiologist?
7.Do I need a diabetes educator?
8.Are there other health care specialists I should see?
9.Can you recommend a support group for me to join? |