Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about antidiabetic agents:

1. Do I need to take antidiabetic agents, or am I likely to need medication soon?
   
   
2. Which is the best class of drug or combination of drugs for me?
   
   
3. How do my medications work?
   
   
4. Can you recommend any diabetes drugs that may also help me lose weight?
   
   
5. Do I have any conditions or am I using other medications that make it inadvisable to take an antidiabetic agent that was recommended for me?
   
   
6. What is the name of my drug, the dosage and frequency? How and when should I take it?
   
   
7. What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?
   
   
8. What are my chances of experiencing swelling, weight gain, nausea, dizziness or other side effects? At what point should I notify you of side effects?
   
   
9. How do these medications affect my risk of hypoglycemia? What signs should I watch for and what action should I take if my blood sugar drops?
   
   
10. Do I need to follow any dietary or exercise precautions when taking my medication?
    
    
11. Can weight loss, exercise and diet reduce or eliminate my need for medication?
    
    
12. What kind of monitoring will show if my dosage needs to be adjusted?
    
    
13. Are my medications safe for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women or elders?
    
    
14. Do I also need to take insulin? Do I need medication for diabetic complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy or retinopathy? Do I need medication for blood pressure, cholesterol or obesity?
    
    
15. Are antidiabetic agents an option for me if I’m not diabetic but have insulin resistance, prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome or any other conditions?