Have an upcoming checkup with your doctor for your diabetes? Our Good Appointment Guide will help you prepare, know what to ask, and know what to share to get the most out of your visit.

  • Whether you keep track of blood glucose on paper or with your phone, bring the numbers to show your doctor. If your glucometer (blood glucose monitor) stores the readings in memory, you can bring that also.
  • If you measure and record your blood pressure at home, be sure to bring those records.
  • Bring an updated, accurate list of all medications that you’re currently taking for any health condition — not just diabetes. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. A current list is especially important if you see multiple doctors who prescribe medication to you. (If you don’t have time to get an updated list, bring the actual medication bottles to your visit.)
  • Unless you’re told otherwise, take all your usual medications on the day of your appointment.
  • Make note of your last vaccines and cancer screenings, so your doctor can make sure you’re up to date and not missing anything important.

  • Wear clothing that will make it easy to be examined (unless it’s a telehealth appointment, of course). This means wearing a top that you can remove or one with loose sleeves that you can roll up easily. Examining your feet is an important part of the visit because diabetes can cause foot problems. Make sure you can easily remove your socks and shoes. You might also be asked to change into a gown.
  • Whether or not you should eat before your visit will depend on what tests the doctor will order for that day (unless it’s a telehealth appointment). The A1C and most cholesterol tests will not be affected by what you eat for breakfast. But blood glucose and triglyceride levels go up shortly after you eat. However, it may be unsafe to skip breakfast if you’re on certain medications. If in doubt, call the doctor’s office before your visit to make sure.
  • If you have a caregiver who’s involved in your healthcare, having that person with you for the appointment may be helpful. Ask them to take notes for you, as it can be hard to remember everything your doctor says.
  • Bring a list of questions that you want to ask the doctor. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask.

Be honest and come prepared to tell the truth, even if it’s embarrassing.

  • An honest reporting of your day-to-day consistency in taking your diabetes medications. They need to know because it will affect the plan of action. For example, if blood glucose numbers are very high and you haven’t been taking a certain medication, your doctor needs to know about the underlying challenges in order to help. It’s better in the long run to simply tell the truth, even if it may be embarrassing.
  • Your history with prior diabetes medications. Knowing what medications have and haven’t worked in the past will help your doctor figure out the best options for today.
  • Your diet habits. Are you having trouble getting nutritious food that won’t spike your blood glucose? It will help your doctor understand how your medications are working. They may give you suggestions or a referral to a dietitian who can help.
  • Your exercise habits. How active are you on a day-to-day basis? Do you have a safe environment to exercise? Exercise can be as important as any medication, so let your doctor know if you have challenges.
  • Any health conditions or recent illnesses they may not know about.

Don’t be shy — your doctor is your health ally and can help with more than you realize.

  • Be honest about your struggles. Everybody has a different experience with diabetes. Doctors won’t know what you’re going through unless you say something.
  • Ask about the complications of diabetes. If diabetes remains uncontrolled, it can cause problems in your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Your doctor can make sure you understand your risks and are doing all you can.
  • There’s lots of ongoing research on how to treat diabetes. Ask your doctor if you’re getting the best treatment. Am I on the best diabetes medications for me? What are the potential side effects?
  • Insurance doesn’t always cover your medications. Even if it’s covered, the out-of-pocket cost is still too high for many people. If you’re having trouble paying for your diabetes medications, let your doctor know. There are coupons, medication assistance programs, and other ways to make them more affordable.
  • It’s easy to become overwhelmed when living with a chronic condition like diabetes. While so much of your time and energy is focused on physical health, don’t neglect your mental health. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression.

Below are questions that should have been answered for you already. Make sure you understand everything below and add to your list of questions for your doctor if there’s anything you’re unsure of.

1. What does A1C mean?

A1C is a blood test that provides information about your average blood glucose over the past 3 months. Other names for A1C include hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, or glycohemoglobin. (Glucose in your bloodstream attaches to a protein called hemoglobin.) A1C measures the percent of hemoglobin molecules that have glucose attached to them. That’s why the result is reported as a percentage, such as 6.8 percent. The higher your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months, the higher your A1C.

You can have it tested at any time of day, even right after eating, because your blood glucose level at the moment of testing will not have a significant effect on the A1C. Some doctor’s offices are able to measure A1C with a fingerstick instead of drawing blood from a vein. Certain medical conditions other than diabetes can affect your A1C. Talk to your doctor to see if you have any of those conditions.

2. Why does A1C matter?

It’s easy for patients and doctors to get focused on A1C without taking the time to talk about why it matters. The higher the A1C, the higher the risk for having certain complications of diabetes in your eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Eyes: Retinopathy is disease of the retina. The retina is a thin layer in the back of your eyes that senses light. Severe, untreated retinopathy can reduce your vision and even cause blindness.

Kidneys: Nephropathy is disease of the kidneys. Signs include high protein levels in the urine and a buildup of waste products in the blood. Severe nephropathy can lead to kidney failure that must be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant.

Nerves: Peripheral neuropathy is disease of the nerves in your feet or hands. Symptoms include tingling, “pins and needles,” numbness, and pain.

The good news is that keeping your blood glucose under control will lower your risk of having these complications.

3. When should I check my blood glucose at home?

This depends on your individual situation. Some people with diabetes need to check their blood glucose several times a day, while others only need to check once daily or even less often.

If you’re checking blood glucose at home, certain times for checking provide the most useful information. Checking blood glucose right before breakfast (i.e., on an empty stomach) is a useful day-to-day measure of how well your diabetes is being controlled.

People taking certain types of insulin might need to check blood glucose before every meal. Another good time to check is 1 to 2 hours after a meal. That number tells you how your body is responding to and processing the rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating. Checking blood glucose at bedtime is also common.

Lastly, if you feel sick, it’s a good idea to check your blood glucose. Sometimes symptoms can be caused by very low or high glucose levels. However, it can also work in the other direction. An underlying illness can cause your blood glucose to shoot up.

4. What should my A1C and blood glucose be?

When people are treated for diabetes with medications, doctors don’t necessarily aim for “normal” A1C or blood glucose numbers. For many people with diabetes, an A1C goal of less than 7 percent is appropriate. Having an A1C under 7 percent lowers your risk of complications of diabetes.

For home blood glucose readings, healthy ranges are 80 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL if measured 1 to 2 hours after meals. However, some older adults and people with chronic diseases are prone to side effects from diabetes medications if the dose is too high. In these situations, doctors may recommend higher target ranges for A1C and blood glucose.

5. What other kinds of tests should I have?

The best care for diabetes doesn’t focus only on glucose levels. A number of tests are recommended to monitor for complications of diabetes.

These include eye exams, foot exams, and lab tests for urine protein, cholesterol, and kidney function. Measuring and treating blood pressure is also critical because the combination of diabetes and high blood pressure raises the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.

A1C is a blood test that provides information about your average blood glucose over the past 3 months. Other names for A1C include hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, or glycohemoglobin. (Glucose in your bloodstream attaches to a protein called hemoglobin.) A1C measures the percent of hemoglobin molecules that have glucose attached to them. That’s why the result is reported as a percentage, such as 6.8 percent. The higher your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months, the higher your A1C. You can have it tested at any time of day, even right after eating, because your blood glucose level at the moment of testing will not have a significant effect on the A1C. Some doctor’s offices are able to measure A1C with a fingerstick instead of drawing blood from a vein. Certain medical conditions other than diabetes can affect your A1C. Talk to your doctor to see if you have any of those conditions.

Retinopathy is disease of the retina. Severe, untreated retinopathy can reduce your vision and even cause blindness.

Nephropathy is disease of the kidneys. Signs include high protein levels in the urine and a buildup of waste products in the blood. Severe nephropathy can lead to kidney failure that must be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant.

Peripheral neuropathy is disease of the nerves in your feet or hands. Symptoms include tingling, “pins and needles,” numbness, and pain.

Read this article in Spanish.