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 diet and diabetes:

1. What diet is best for me?
   
   
2. Should I consult a registered dietitian? How often? Can you recommend one?
   
   
3. If I have prediabetes, can diet help me avoid diabetes?
   
   
4. If I have type 1 diabetes, can diet help prevent double diabetes?
   
   
5. If I have type 2 diabetes, can diet avert or reduce my need for antidiabetic agents? If so, how will this be monitored?
   
   
6. Can diet prevent, delay or reduce my need for insulin? If so, how will this be monitored?
   
   
7. Which method is best for me: diabetic food exchange, diabetic food pyramid, glycemic index, carb counting, another strategy or some combination?
   
   
8. Which fats are OK or beneficial in moderation, and which should I avoid?
   
   
9. Are some carbohydrates better for me than others? Should I favor vegetables, fruits and whole grains over sugar and processed starches?
   
   
10. Are there any foods, spices, herbs, vitamins, minerals or supplements that can help control my diabetes? If so, which might you recommend for me? What are reliable sources and appropriate quantities? How will their possible effects on my blood sugar and medication be monitored? Can they have any harmful side effects?
    
    
11. What weight should I try to maintain?
    
    
12. How much exercise should I get? How does exercise affect my diet?