Type 2 Diabetes - The Importance of Good Doctor-Patient Communication
When an individual is newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, there are bound to be plenty of questions going through their mind.
But considering just how serious diabetes is, there is simply no room for error in its treatment.
That's why it is important to establish a firm doctor-patient relationship right from the start.
Here are five points as to why such a relationship is vital to your health...
1.
Information.
This is a very important example of when knowledge is power.
The more a diabetic knows and understands about their disease, especially a newly diagnosed diabetic, the better they will be able to manage and control it.
Most of the mistakes early on are due to insufficient information.
2.
Ask questions.
No doubt, there are going to be a lot of questions going through your mind at your first appointment and even after you leave.
Be sure to write everything down so you won't forget it.
You might think you will remember everything you need to ask but once your doctor starts talking the discussion can easily veer off the subject on your mind and you won't remember what it is you initially wanted more information on.
3.
Do your own research.
Ask your doctor which resources are the most accurate for you to study on Type 2 diabetes and the complications associated with this condition.
Although the Internet is filled with information on diabetes, some of it is unfortunately incorrect and too broad.
Erroneous information can be not only harmful, but downright dangerous.
Ask your doctor which sites are trustworthy and which ones to avoid.
4.
Know your medications.
There is a good chance your doctor will prescribe a medication to help you manage your blood sugar levels.
Although they will advise you on how and when to take your medication, it is still your responsibility to know as much about the medication as possible.
You need to ask:
5.
Talk to Type 2 diabetics.
Besides your doctor, who better to inform you on diabetes than other diabetics? It's a good idea to join diabetes support groups, forums, and receive newsletters to interact with others who are dealing with the same health issue.
You can learn a great deal from them and benefit from their experience so you don't duplicate their mistakes.
But considering just how serious diabetes is, there is simply no room for error in its treatment.
That's why it is important to establish a firm doctor-patient relationship right from the start.
Here are five points as to why such a relationship is vital to your health...
1.
Information.
This is a very important example of when knowledge is power.
The more a diabetic knows and understands about their disease, especially a newly diagnosed diabetic, the better they will be able to manage and control it.
Most of the mistakes early on are due to insufficient information.
2.
Ask questions.
No doubt, there are going to be a lot of questions going through your mind at your first appointment and even after you leave.
Be sure to write everything down so you won't forget it.
You might think you will remember everything you need to ask but once your doctor starts talking the discussion can easily veer off the subject on your mind and you won't remember what it is you initially wanted more information on.
3.
Do your own research.
Ask your doctor which resources are the most accurate for you to study on Type 2 diabetes and the complications associated with this condition.
Although the Internet is filled with information on diabetes, some of it is unfortunately incorrect and too broad.
Erroneous information can be not only harmful, but downright dangerous.
Ask your doctor which sites are trustworthy and which ones to avoid.
4.
Know your medications.
There is a good chance your doctor will prescribe a medication to help you manage your blood sugar levels.
Although they will advise you on how and when to take your medication, it is still your responsibility to know as much about the medication as possible.
You need to ask:
- what the medication is expected to do,
- what possible side effects you can expect,
- when to take it,
- what to take it with and what to avoid, etc.
5.
Talk to Type 2 diabetics.
Besides your doctor, who better to inform you on diabetes than other diabetics? It's a good idea to join diabetes support groups, forums, and receive newsletters to interact with others who are dealing with the same health issue.
You can learn a great deal from them and benefit from their experience so you don't duplicate their mistakes.
