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 atherosclerosis:

1. How much does my diabetes or prediabetes increase my odds of developing atherosclerosis?
   
   
2. Could my leg pain be due to atherosclerosis? What other signs of atherosclerosis should I watch for?
   
   
3. What tests for atherosclerosis might I need to undergo, and what do they involve?
   
   
4. What do my test results show? Do I have or am I at risk of atherosclerosis?
   
   
5. How does atherosclerosis differ from arteriosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease and diabetic angiopathy? Do I have any of these conditions as well?
   
   
6. How and why does atherosclerosis affect type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes differently?
   
   
7. How much does atherosclerosis increase my risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions?
   
   
8. Does my atherosclerosis increase my risk of foot problems, skin problems, kidney disorders, eye diseases or other conditions?
   
   
9. Can I help treat or prevent atherosclerosis by making improvements in exercise, diet or other habits? How important is it that I quit smoking? Should I avoid alcohol, or is moderate consumption okay?
   
   
10. Do I need medications to treat or prevent atherosclerosis? If so, which options do you recommend?
    
    
11. Could my atherosclerosis require surgery? What would this involve?