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 diabetes and heart conditions:

1. What condition are my heart and blood vessels in?
   
   
2. Do I need any tests to determine my cardiovascular fitness? If so, what will these tests involve?
   
   
3. Do I have any cardiovascular problems? If not, what is my risk of developing them?
   
   
4. How can I reduce my risk?
   
   
5. What types of exercise should I do?
   
   
6. Where should my blood pressure, cholesterol levels and glucose levels be?
   
   
7. What is the difference between the types of cholesterol?
   
   

8. What are the good fats and oils to eat and the bad fats to avoid?
   

9. Do I need any cardiovascular treatments in addition to improvements in diet and exercise?
   
   

10. Can any diabetes drugs benefit my heart?
    
    

11. How do I know if a chest pain is angina?
    
    

12. When should I seek medical help if I feel chest pain, dizziness, slurred speech or other possible symptoms of a cardiovascular problem?