The Fine Art of Self Defense:
"Ahh" Shouldn't Be the Only Thing You Say to the Doc!
Diabetes care depends on YOU. After all, you are the one that takes care of your diabetes every day. To do your job, you need complete, clear answers to your questions and you need to work in cooperation with your doctor and other providers. But time for questions is scarce in today's health care environment. To get what you need, you need to be informed and speak up. It's not rude to ask about your care. It's smart. Remember whose health is at stake!
WORKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR
- Check your blood sugar often, even if your doctor says you don't need to.
- The doctor may not need the information but YOU do! It's the only way to see how your choices are working.
- Control can change through no fault of yours - and you may not feel it.
- If your blood sugars stay out of control, see your provider right away. Your diabetes medicines or doses may need to change. Or you may have another health problem, like an infection, that raises blood sugar.
- Know the Standards of Care for Diabetes.
- They are on this website and in the "Myth Book." Take them to every visit.
- Make sure all the checks are done on time, even if you feel GREAT.
- Never assume your team is doing everything that's needed. Ask!
- Speak up when you have a question or concern. Look for another provider if yours
- is always too busy to discuss your concerns or answer your questions.
- makes you feel uncomfortable for asking questions.
- Know all the treatment options for your condition. ASK
- What are the benefits, risks and side effects of this?
- When any change to your diabetes care is suggested, ASK
- Why is a change needed?
- Why this medicine? How is it better? What does it do?
- Why did you stop (change the dose of) my old medicine?
- Think about what you know about all the medicines and insulins.
- If you agree with the change, ask what to expect, how long it will take and what to do if things DON'T improve.
- If you don't agree with the change, say so.
- If you have a test done
- Call to get the results. No news is not always good news.
- Get a copy and keep it in a notebook or file. Compare it to earlier ones.
PRESCRIPTIONS
- Keep a list of all medicines
- Prescription, over-the-counter, herbal products and so on.
- Update it when things change.
- Give your doctor a current copy for your chart.
- Keep a copy with you at all times.
- Review every new prescription before leaving the doctor's office.
- Make sure you can read it and understand what it's for.
- Ask when and how to take it and what side effects, if any, to expect.
- Review every prescription when you pick it up.
- Ask the pharmacist to confirm that the medicine and dosage in the bag are what your doctor prescribed.
- If you've taken it before, look at it. If it looks different, ask why.
HOSPITAL STAYS
- If you need surgery or a diagnostic procedure
- Choose a doctor who does that procedure often
- Choose a hospital where they do the procedure often
- Discuss how your blood sugar control will be handled ahead of time. Ask for written instructions for you and orders for the hospital staff.
- Ask your doctor to order that you be allowed to check your own blood sugar with your own meter.
- When in the hospital
- Ask what each medicine is BEFORE you take it.
- Ask how many units of insulin are in the syringe and what kind it is before accepting an injection.
- If any answer you receive doesn't make sense, say so. Refuse the medicine and ask to talk to the charge nurse.
- When being discharged from a hospital or outpatient surgery facility
- Ask your doctor or other health professional to explain what you should do at home.
- Make sure you have the right medicines & know when, how to take them.
- Get the plan for your follow-up and your next medical visit in writing before you leave. Make sure you can read and understand it.
Adapted from United Heath Foundation and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2002
Brought to You By: Diabetes Management & Training Centers, Inc., ® 2003