Diabetes: Working with Your Doctor

The best way to manage diabetes is to develop an effective working partnership with your doctor. Your doctor's role in this partnership is to provide medical advice, offer treatment options and recommend resources. Your role is to monitor your symptoms, report them accurately and do what you can to manage your disease on a day-to-day basis.

Diabetes Patient Care Flow Sheet

The Diabetes Patient Care Flow Sheet (PDF 151Kb) can help you and your doctor keep track of your care. This short form can be attached to your medical chart and serves as a reminder and record of whether care objectives have been met. The flow sheet was recently distributed with the B.C. guideline for Diabetes Care to all family physicians. Some doctors may use a different, but similar form. You may want to take a copy of the form with you for your next appointment.

Tips for Working with your Doctor

• Make sure you have a regular family doctor. Look for someone who is knowledgeable about diabetes and who is interested in working cooperatively with you. Your doctor should be familiar with the latest clinical guidelines and standards for diabetes care.
• Learn as much as you can about diabetes so you can ask questions and identify problems that may need extra attention.
• Be your own advocate. Understand what type of care is recommended for people with diabetes. Certain tests should be performed at regular intervals to prevent complications. If you have not had a test within the recommended interval, ask your doctor about it.
• Work with your doctor to set goals for blood glucose levels, A1C, blood pressure, and lipids (see Diabetes Patient Care Flow Sheet).
• Your family doctor will manage most of your diabetes care, but you may be referred to other medical specialists when necessary. For instance, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a dilated eye exam or a podiatrist for foot care. You may be referred to an endocrinologist if managing your diabetes is particularly difficult. Your family doctor and other medical specialists work together as a team. Don't hesitate to ask for a referral if you think it is necessary.
• Ask your family doctor for a referral to your local Diabetes Education Centre (DEC) (referrals may not be necessary for some DECs).
• Make sure you understand what medicines you should be taking, why they have been prescribed, how to take them and possible side effects.
• If you find it difficult to follow your doctor's instructions or are reluctant to take a prescribed medication because of side effects, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Keep a health diary or log book to help you remember medications, activities, and appointments and to record symptoms or changes in your condition.
• Take responsibility for your own health. This may include making necessary lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
• Don't hesitate to express concerns or ask questions about your diabetes care. Active involvement in your own care is critical. You can and should be involved in decisions about your treatment.

Your Diabetes Care Team

There are other professionals who may help you manage your diabetes. Members of your 'iabetes care team may include:

• Diabetes nurse educator
• Nutritionist/dietician
• Endocrinologist/internist or other medical specialist
• Opthalmologist or optometrist
• Podiatrist
• Physiotherapist
• Pharmacist
• Cardiac rehabilitation centre
• Healthy heart program
• Community health nurse
• Social worker
• Support group
• Stop smoking program

PDF Format

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Last Revised: February 14, 2007