Test Your Knowledge

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 sick days and diabetes:

1. How often should I check my glucose when I’m sick?
   
   
2. How often should I perform ketone testing?
   
   
3. How often should I weigh myself?
   
   
4. Are there any other tests I should perform when I’m sick, such as blood pressure?
   
   
5. Do I need to adjust my diet when I’m sick? What dietary changes should I avoid? Should I work with a registered dietitian on this?
   
   
6. What should I do if I can’t eat or keep food down?
   
   
7. Should I change my exercise routine when I’m not feeling well?
   
   
8. How will illness alter my use of insulin or other diabetes medication?
   
   
9. Will I need to avoid or adjust the dosage of any of my nondiabetes prescription medications when I’m ill?
   
   
10. Which over-the-counter medications or supplements are safe for me, and which should I avoid?
    
    
11. When there is a problem with a matter such as my blood sugar, ketones or blood pressure, at what point is it a condition I can treat myself and at what point do you consider it an emergency?
    
    
12. What plan should I have in case of emergencies such as severe hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, dehydration, ketoacidosis or diabetic coma?
    
    
13. If my emergency plan includes glucagon, who should be trained in administering it? Where is such training available?