Note: We recommend you use this page as a reference for your consultation with your doctor.

Should I check my blood sugar levels at home with a glucose monitor? How often should I check them?
What are my goals regarding blood sugar levels?
What are the warning signs or symptoms that my blood sugars are too high? What do I do if my blood sugars are too high?
What are the warning signs or symptoms that my blood sugars are too low? What do I do if my blood sugars are too low?
How can I change my lifestyle and diet in a way that will be healthy?

What are the side effects of my medications/insulin?

Will I always need medications/insulin? How will you evaluate whether these medications are the best treatment for me?

What are the long-term complications of diabetes, and how can I avoid them?

How do other factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure affect me if I have diabetes?

How often should I be seeing my doctor to optimize my diabetes management?

MedicineNet Reminder: Establishing an accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatments. You are the most important person in this process by accurately describing to your doctor the character, location, duration, and time of onset of your symptoms. You should also inform your doctor about vitamins, herbs, and medications you are taking. For example, long-term use of certain vitamins and non-prescription medications may be the cause of your abnormal liver tests; magnesium-containing antacids and supplements may be causing your diarrhea; certain blood pressure pills can be the reason for your constipation.

QUESTION

Diabetes is defined best as... See Answer

References

Medically reviewed by John A. Seibel, MD; Board Certified Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in Endocrinology & Metabolism

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.