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Patient Instructions

Type 2 diabetes is a (lifelong) disease that causes high levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It can damage your organs. It can also lead to a heart attack or stroke and cause many other health problems. You can do many things to control your symptoms and make your life better.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your diabetes.

Ask your doctor to check the nerves, skin, and pulses in your feet.

• How often should I check my feet? What should I do when I check them? What problems should I call my doctor or nurse about?
• Who should trim my toenails? Is it okay if I trim them?
• How should I take care of my feet every day? What type of shoes and socks should I wear?

Ask your doctor about getting exercise.

• Before I start, do I need to have my heart checked out? My eyes? My feet?
• What type of exercise program should I do? What type of activities should I avoid?
• How should I watch my blood sugar when I exercise? What should I bring with me when I exercise?

When should I next have an eye doctor check my eyes? What eye problems should I call my doctor about?

Ask your doctor about your diabetes medications:

• When should I take them?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What side effects will they have?

How often should I check my blood sugar level at home? Should I do it at different times of the day? What is too low? What is too high?

Should I get a medical alert bracelet or necklace?

Ask your doctor about other tests you may need, such as cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and a urine test to check for kidney problems.

How should I take care of my diabetes when I travel?

How should I take care of my diabetes when I am sick?

• What should I eat or drink?
• How should I take my diabetes medicines?
• How often should I check my blood sugar?
• When should I call the doctor or nurse?

What to ask your doctor about diabetes - type 2

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.