To be diagnosed with diabetes can be really upsetting for most of the people out there because this health risk can really bring down the whole system that runs inside your frame. Having said that, there is something that you cannot compromise on even amongst all the stress that comes along with the diagnosis and that’s getting in touch with a good diabetes care physician who will curate for you an appropriate treatment plan. Here at icareheal we provide you with the best treatment and knowledge about your condition and help you make it better by not only using medication but also recommending you considerable lifestyle changes that help fix the situation. Below listed are some things that you must discuss with your diabetes care physician to know more about your health risks and its cure.

1.  Side effects related to medication:

If you’re beginning to take medications or changing them, you may experience new side effects. You might feel dizzy or have digestive problems or a rash. Your diabetes care physician will help you figure out if these are from your medications and advise you on how to consume them. If you’re starting on medications that can cause low blood sugar, be sure to ask your doctor what symptoms to watch out for, and what you need to do if you do experience low blood sugar levels during any spell of your treatment.

2.  When do the side effects wear out?

In most cases, side effects get better with time. But if they’re still severe after the 30-day mark, clarify with your diabetes care physician when you can expect improvement or when you should consider other treatment options if required.

3.  Knowing blood sugar levels:

When starting a new treatment, your diabetes care physician might want you to keep your blood sugar in check throughout the day. After 30 days, you might be able to check less often. However, if your blood sugar isn’t well controlled, you might need to continue checking your blood sugar frequently.

4.  How to know if your blood sugar levels fluctuate?

Some diabetes drugs drive blood sugar too low and can cause hypoglycemia. This may cause:

• heart palpitations
• anxiety
• hunger
• sweating
• irritability
• fatigue

Unresolved hypoglycemia may lead to serious complications such as:

• clumsiness, as if you’re intoxicated
• confusion
• seizures
• loss of consciousness

High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia. Many patients don’t experience symptoms of high blood sugar, especially if their blood sugar levels are regularly elevated. Some symptoms of hyperglycemia are:

• frequent urination
• increased thirst and hunger
• blurred vision
• fatigue
• cuts and sores that won’t heal

Long-term hyperglycemia may lead to chronic complications over time, such as eye, nerve, blood vessel, or kidney damage.

5.  Check with the diabetes care physician your A1c levels:

Your A1c level is an important indicator of your blood sugar levels. It measures your average blood glucose levels over a two- to three-month period. In general, your A1c level should be 7 percent or less. However, your diabetes care physician might want it lower or higher, depending on your age, health status, and other factors. It’s a good idea to have your A1c level checked three months after starting treatment and then every six months once you’ve reached your target A1c goal.

6.  Changes in diet & exercise plan:

Both diet and exercise impact blood sugar levels. So you should clarify with your diabetes care physician every six months or so if it’s okay to continue your current exercise regimen and diet.

Ask your doctor about drug interactions when starting a new treatment. Some foods may interact with diabetes drug.

7.  Knowing cholesterol levels:

Maintaining healthy blood lipid and blood pressure levels is an important part of any good diabetes treatment plan.

To keep your cholesterol levels in check, your diabetes care physician may prescribe a statin as part of your new diabetes treatment. Your diabetes care physician might also give you medications to manage blood pressure. Ask to have your cholesterol levels checked at least three to six months after starting treatment to make sure they’re tracking in the right direction.

Blood pressure levels should be checked at each doctor’s visit.

8.  Checking your feet:

Diabetes is known to create silent havoc on feet if your blood sugar isn’t controlled. Chronically high blood sugar levels might cause:

• nerve damage
• foot deformities
• foot ulcers that won’t heal
• blood vessel damage, leading to poor blood flow
  in your feet

Ask your doctor to peek at your feet at every visit, and have a detailed exam at the one-year mark after starting a new treatment to make sure your feet are healthy. If you have foot problems or a foot injury, consult your diabetes care physician immediately.

9.  Is the treatment lifelong?

In some cases, diabetes treatment may be temporary. If lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, and weight loss are successful, you may be able to stop taking or reduce some medication.

10.               Clarify the need to get your kidney function checked:

Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause kidney damage. A few months into a new treatment, it’s a good idea to have your doctor order a test to check for protein in your urine. If the test is positive, it indicates your kidney function may be compromised and your new treatment may not be working well.

11.               Confirm with the diabetes care physician when to get an eye checkup:

Retinopathy causes small blood vessels in the retina (at the back of the eye) to get weak and possibly leak blood. This disease can cause blindness if it is not treated. There are no symptoms when this disease starts, so it is important to get your eyes checked regularly. Cataract causes a “clouding” of the lens of the eye that makes vision blurry. People with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts. Glaucoma causes pressure in the eye. If it is not treated, glaucoma can cause vision loss or blindness.

These are some of the most important discussions that you need to take up with your diabetes care physician while visiting him or her to know better about the disease that you have and its all possible methods of effective and easy cure.