When to Ask These Questions
Ask all five questions at your first diabetes visit دكتور عظام. If you’re already diagnosed, ask them again every 3 months or whenever HbA1c jumps ≥0.5%. Write them on your phone notes so you don’t forget.
Question 1: What’s My Exact HbA1c Target?
Demand a number, not “better control.” Most adults need <7.0%. If you’re over 65 or have heart disease, the target may be 7.5-8.0%. Ask for the reason behind the number—it’s your right.
Question 2: Which Medication Side Effects Should I Watch for Today?
Metformin: diarrhea in the first 2 weeks—take with food, titrate slowly.
SGLT2 inhibitors: yeast infections—wipe front to back, change underwear twice daily.
GLP-1 agonists: nausea—eat 6 small meals, stop if vomiting.
Insulin: hypoglycemia—test glucose before driving, keep 15 g fast carbs in your bag.
Question 3: How Often Should I Test My Blood Sugar at Home?
Type 1: 4-7 times daily—fasting, pre-meal, 2 h post-meal, bedtime, before exercise.
Type 2 on insulin: 2-4 times daily—fasting and 2 h post largest meal.
Type 2 on oral meds: 2-3 times weekly—rotate days and times to catch patterns.
If readings are stable for 3 months, ask to reduce testing to save strips.
Question 4: What’s the First Sign My Kidneys Are in Trouble?
Microalbuminuria: >30 mg albumin per gram creatinine on a spot urine test.
Ask for this test every 6 months if you’ve had diabetes >5 years.
If positive, start an ACE inhibitor or ARB—even if blood pressure is normal.
Cut dietary sodium to <2 g daily to protect kidneys.
Question 5: What’s the One Diet Change That Will Drop My Sugar Fastest?
Cut liquid sugar: soda, juice, sweet tea. Replace with water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea.
If you drink 2 cans of soda daily, quitting alone can