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What’s up, Doc?
3 tips for better talks
with your doctor
Getting the best possible medical care doesn’t always
involve sophisticated technology or the latest medica-
tions. Sometimes a good conversation with your doctor
can make all the difference.
That’s because your doctor relies on the information
you provide to help guide your care. He or she needs to
hear about your symptoms to make an accurate diagno-
sis, for example. And deciding which treatment will be
most effective may depend on which medicines you’re
using right now.
Even concerns about paying for your medicines are
important to share if they may prevent you from follow-
ing your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
Of course you depend on information from your doctor
too. You need the doctor to explain—in ways you can
understand—what you should be doing to get or stay
healthy.
All of this requires good communication—something
that may be easier if you keep these points in mind:
1
Don’t be embarrassed.
It’s not easy to share certain
symptoms or details about your lifestyle or personal life.
Just remember, your doctor is there to help. And he or she
has probably heard similar things from other patients.
2
Offer information.
Don’t assume that if your doctor
doesn’t bring something up, it’s not important.
Often, it’s helpful to make lists before your appoint-
ment. Include things like your current medical conditions
and family health history, your past surgeries, and your
allergies. Also list all the medications you take, including
prescription and over-the-counter products, vitamins,
and dietary or herbal supplements.
It can also be good to write down any symptoms you’re
having and questions you want to ask the doctor.
3
Listen actively.
Pay careful attention to what your
doctor says. If anything concerns you or is unclear, say so.
Some people find it helpful to take notes or ask the doc-
tor to write things down. It may also be worthwhile to bring
someone with you who can act as a second pair of ears.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Academy of Family Physicians
SPEAK UP:
Talking to your provider openly will
improve the quality of care you receive. Never be
afraid to ask even the hardest questions.
DIABETE S
Finding your level ground
Learn what can cause blood sugar to be too high or too low
The story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” was
all about finding middle ground.
Goldilocks tried porridge that was too hot and
too cold, chairs that were too big and too small, and
beds that were too hard and too soft. Only with time
did she find things that were “just right.”
If you have diabetes, there’s a lesson in that well-
known children’s story. Diabetes can cause blood
sugar levels to be too high or too low—and both can
lead to problems. But with careful attention, you can
keep your blood sugar at a level that’s just right for
you. That’s time well spent, because it can help you
stay healthy.
The highs
By definition, diabetes occurs when blood
sugar levels are too high because of problems with
the hormone insulin. But other things can cause lev-
els to rise as well. These include:
●
Eating more car-
bohydrates than usual.
●
Inactivity.
●
Side effects
of other medications.
●
Illness or injury.
●
Stress.
●
Dehydration.
And if you’re on insulin or diabetes medication
but aren’t getting the right amount, that can cause
high blood sugar too.
The lows
Too much insulin or diabetes medication
can have the opposite effect—it can lower blood
sugar. Other factors that can cause levels to fall
include:
●
●
Not eating enough.
●
●
Drinking alcohol, especially on an empty
stomach.
●
●
Side effects of other medications.
●
●
More physical activity than usual.
The middle ground
Your doctor can tell you what
your target blood sugar range should be. It depends
on factors such as your age and overall health.
Regular A1C tests, which show average blood
sugar readings over the past few months, can tell
you if you’re meeting your goals. But home glucose
monitoring—on a schedule determined with your
doctor—provides more immediate feedback.
It’s helpful to record your blood sugar readings.
Include time of day; what you’ve eaten; how active
you’ve been; and what’s going on in your life, such as
illness or stress. This may make it easier to identify
what causes your readings to be high or low—and
when you may need to change your care plan.
In general, keeping readings on track depends on:
●
Eating smart.
●
Being active.
●
Taking medica-
tions as directed.
●
Getting regular checkups.
●
Tak-
ing good care of yourself, physically and mentally.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Diabetes Education Program
Interested in taking charge of
your health? Establish care with
one of our Samaritan Family
Medicine providers today. Call
793-9780 for an appointment.
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