Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with type 2 diabetes for years, it’s important to build a strong relationship with your doctor and check in with them regularly.
“There are so many factors that affect your diabetes,” says Jennifer Okemah, RDN, CDCES, the owner and clinical director of Saluté Nutrition, a virtual diabetes coaching company based in Kirkland, Washington. “Even little changes, like losing 5 pounds or walking for 20 minutes every day, can have a big impact on your blood sugars and medications.”
It’s especially important to meet with your doctor and ask questions if you’ve recently changed medications, your blood sugar levels are trending higher or lower, or you’re experiencing new symptoms, so they can adjust your diabetes management plan. The more prepared you are for your doctor’s visits, the better your doctor can support you and the earlier he or she can address potential concerns.
1. How Often Should I Check My Blood Sugar?
“Everyone’s diabetes is a little different,” Okemah says. Some people may need to check their blood sugar only once a week, while others may need to check once a day or several times per day. Some people may benefit from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for round-the-clock blood sugar monitoring.
It’s important to ask your doctor for personalized guidance based on your medication, lifestyle, and risk of highs or lows. They can help you figure out the right schedule to identify patterns and adjust treatment if needed.
In general, the frequency of checking your blood sugar depends on your:
- Goals If your A1C is higher than your goal, you may be putting in extra effort to get it down. You might need to check your blood sugar more often while working with your doctor to fine-tune your regimen.
- Medications The more medications you’re taking, the more often you’ll probably want to check your blood sugar, especially if you take insulin. Most diabetes medications need to be adjusted occasionally based on blood sugar levels.
- Lifestyle Habits If you’ve recently made changes to your diet or exercise routine, you may need to check your blood sugar more often to gauge the impact of the changes you’re making.
“Before your next visit, take a few minutes to write down your questions,” Okemah says. “Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down key points during the conversation so you can follow up later. It’s too hard to remember everything, and your healthcare team will appreciate the effort you’re making to use your time well.”
2. What’s My Target Blood Sugar Range?
Your ideal blood sugar range can vary depending on your age, health status, and whether you have other medical conditions. In general, the American Diabetes Association recommends:
- 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals
- Less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating
These targets are not a one-size-fits-all. Your doctor can help determine what’s realistic and safe for you — and when to make adjustments.
“Remember, too, that there might be times when it’s really okay and expected to run a little higher,” says Ben Tzeel, RD, CDCES, the Tampa-based founder of Your Diabetes Insider who lives with type 1 diabetes himself. “When I’m traveling, I know I’ll be eating different foods and I’m out of my routine. I put a little less pressure on myself. I do the best I can, but I don’t let that get in the way of enjoying the trip.”
3. What Should I Do When My Blood Sugar Is Too High?
Everyone with type 2 diabetes experiences highs now and then, but it’s important to know how to respond. Ask your doctor about short-term strategies to lower high blood sugar and how to prevent it from happening regularly.
Treatments for high blood sugar might include:
- Learning how to calculate a correction dose of insulin, if you take insulin
- Starting insulin or another diabetes medication
- Going for a walk after eating to help your body burn extra glucose
- Working with your healthcare team to make lifestyle changes that improve blood sugar levels
“Your healthcare team should help you look at those high numbers as information,” Okemah says. “The highs tell you your body needs more support.”
4. Should I Be Using Ozempic, Mounjaro, or an SGLT2 Inhibitor?
The list of diabetes medications has grown in recent years, including drugs that also support heart and kidney health or help with weight management.
These medications aren’t right for everyone, though. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, or pancreatitis, and who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid GLP-1s. SGLT2 inhibitors aren’t recommended for people with recurrent genital mycotic infections. Your doctor can explain the benefits and side effects of these medications.
“GLP-1 medications can be incredible,” Okemah says. “And they are truly becoming the first line of defense for type 2 diabetes. But with your medications, your diabetes team should be discussing lifestyle changes and goals, too.”
5. How Do I Know if My Medications Are Working Well?
During your checkup, your doctor will look at several factors to evaluate your current medication regimen, including your A1C results, time in range (if using a CGM), daily blood sugar logs, and side effects.
Ask how often you need to revisit your medication plan and what signs may suggest your treatment needs to change. Sometimes, small tweaks can make a big difference.
“Many people wait way too long to get their medication doses adjusted because they just think the side effects are inevitable,” Okemah says. “Don’t suffer for weeks or months. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and ask for help.”
6. Is My Diet Working for Me?
Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian on your healthcare team if your current eating habits are supporting your goals. Be specific: Ask for feedback on your favorite meals, snacks, or eating patterns. A little guidance can help you find balance without giving up foods you enjoy.
“Don’t limit yourself to a strict, boring ‘diabetes diet,’” Tzeel says. “It can take a little work at first, but improving your food habits after a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean everything has to be boring and bland.”
7. How Should I Manage My Diabetes When I’m Sick?
When you’re sick, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate because you’re likely not eating or drinking as much or the same way you typically do. Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood sugar, when to take or pause medications, what foods or fluids to prioritize, and when it’s time to call for help.
“Most people don’t realize how much the flu or a simple stomach bug can affect you with diabetes,” Tzeel says. “Sometimes, it’s no big deal, but more intense viruses can have a big impact on your blood sugars, your insulin needs, and honestly, your safety.”
8. Am I Up-to-Date on My Vaccinations?
People with diabetes have a higher risk of complications from infections like the flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. Talk with your doctor about getting current on all recommended vaccines to protect your overall health and reduce the risk of serious illness.
9. Should I See Other Specialists?
Type 2 diabetes may affect many parts of the body, including your eyes, nerves, heart, and kidneys.
Ask your doctor if you should see other specialists, such as a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, or podiatrist, for routine screenings and preventive care. Your endocrinologist can coordinate care and refer you to trusted experts.
If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, you may also want to ask about working with a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). A CDCES can offer practical, day-to-day support that complements the medical advice you get from your doctor. They can offer support when you change medications and face challenges with your diet, exercise, or blood sugar patterns. And they can help you read food labels, adjust insulin, manage stress, and set achievable goals.
10. How Does Exercise Fit Into My Management Plan?
If you’re already active, ask your doctor whether you should adjust your food or medication around workouts. But if you’re just getting started, ask what types of exercise are safest and most effective for your goals. “Remember, a good old-fashioned walk is worth it, too,” Okemah says. “Your new exercise routine does not have to be complicated or grueling to make an impact.”
Your healthcare team can help you set realistic targets and build a plan that fits your lifestyle. They can also guide you on how to recognize and prevent low blood sugar during or after physical activity.
The Takeaway
- Prepare for your doctor’s visit with a list of detailed, thoughtful questions to help you get the most out of your appointment and build a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
- Work with your doctor to create an individualized diabetes management plan that includes blood sugar targets, medication options, recommended eating plans, and guidance on physical activity.
- Diet and exercise can significantly affect blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Consult your doctor on what to eat, how to best incorporate physical activity into your routine, and what to do when you’re sick and unable to stick to your routine.
- Be sure to maintain an open dialogue with your doctor, especially if you’re looking to change medications, are experiencing new symptoms, or your blood sugar levels are fluctuating outside their typical range.
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