CHAPTER 18 — WORKING WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM AND CHECKUP SCHEDULE Type 2 Diabetes is best managed with a partnership between you and your healthcare team. This chapter explains how to use medical support effectively, what checkups are usually recommended, and how to prepare for appointments so that time is used well. SEEING DIABETES AS A SHARED PROJECT Instead of seeing yourself as a passive patient, it is helpful to see diabetes care as a shared project:
- You bring daily experience, symptoms, preferences, and questions.
- The healthcare team brings medical knowledge, experience, and tools.
- Together you design and adjust a plan.
This attitude encourages honest communication and realistic decisions. WHO MAY BE PART OF THE HEALTHCARE TEAM Depending on the system and country, your team may include:
- Primary care doctor or family physician.
- Diabetes specialist (endocrinologist or diabetologist).
- Diabetes nurse.
- Dietitian or nutrition specialist.
- Pharmacist.
- Eye specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist).
- Podiatrist or foot specialist.
- Mental health professional or counsellor.
You may not see all of these professionals, but understanding their roles helps you know when to ask for referrals. KEY CHECKUPS AND HOW OFTEN THEY ARE OFTEN DONE Specific schedules vary, but many guidelines suggest the following rhythm: Every 3 to 6 months:
- HbA1c (A1C) test.
- Weight and waist measurement.
- Blood pressure.
- Review of medication, hypoglycaemia episodes, and symptoms.
At least once per year:
- Kidney function tests and urine albumin.
- Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).
- Eye examination for diabetic changes, as advised.
- Foot examination for sensation, circulation, and skin condition.
- Review of vaccinations, such as flu or pneumonia where applicable.
More often if needed:
- Blood tests when starting or changing certain medicines.
- Extra reviews in pregnancy, serious illness, or surgery preparation.
These checks are not just formalities; they are opportunities to protect organs and adjust treatment before problems grow. PREPARING FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS Appointments become more useful when you prepare in advance. Helpful steps: 1. Note key concerns.
- New symptoms.
- Changes in vision, feet, or energy.
- Mood changes or sleep problems.
- Difficulties following the food or medication plan.
2. Bring basic records where possible.
- Recent home glucose readings or CGM summaries.
- A list of current medications and supplements.
- A brief record of any hypoglycaemia episodes.
3. Be ready to discuss:
- Typical daily meals.
- Movement and exercise patterns.
- Sleep habits.
- Stress levels and major life events.
You do not need to be perfect; honesty helps your team give advice that fits reality. ASKING QUESTIONS It is reasonable and important to ask clear questions, such as:
- What is my current A1C and what is our target.
- How are my kidneys and eyes doing.
- Do I need any changes to my medications.
- Are there tests or screenings that I am due for.
- How will we know if this new plan is working.
- What side effects should I watch for.
Writing questions down before the visit can help you remember them. SETTING JOINT GOALS Working with the healthcare team is easier when goals are clear. Examples of joint goals:
- Reduce A1C from a certain level to a lower level over 6 to 12 months.
- Lower blood pressure to a target range.
- Reduce or stabilise weight.
- Improve specific symptoms such as fatigue or night time urination.
- Protect kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time.
Goals should be realistic, meaningful, and reviewed regularly. COMMUNICATING OPENLY ABOUT CHALLENGES It can be tempting to hide difficulty or appear more compliant than you feel, but this blocks progress. It is helpful to say:
- I find it hard to take this medicine at the prescribed time.
- This eating plan does not fit my work schedule.
- I feel embarrassed about checking my glucose in public.
- I am worried about side effects.
This information allows your team to adjust the plan or offer alternatives. WHEN MEDICAL ADVICE SEEMS CONFLICTING You may receive different opinions from different professionals, or read advice online that does not match what you were told. Steps to manage this:
- Ask your main doctor or specialist how they see the differences.
- Request an explanation in simple language: why this medicine, and why now.
- Clarify whether the advice is based on your specific situation or on general guidelines.
- Avoid making major changes based only on internet articles or stories from other people.
SEEKING SECOND OPINIONS It is acceptable to seek a second opinion when:
- You do not understand the plan after asking questions.
- You feel your concerns are not being heard.
- Major treatment changes are proposed and you want more clarity.
A second opinion does not mean disrespect; it is part of taking responsibility for your health. USING TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM Where available, technology can support collaboration:
- Glucose meters with memory or apps that store readings.
- Continuous glucose monitors with shareable reports.
- Apps to track food, activity, and sleep.
- Secure messaging systems in some clinics.
Share summaries rather than overwhelming details; for example, weekly patterns rather than every individual reading. SPECIAL SITUATIONS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR TEAM Certain life events require specific planning, such as:
- Surgery or hospital admissions.
- Travel across time zones.
- Fasting periods for religious or cultural reasons.
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy.
- Starting new medications for other conditions.
- Significant weight loss or gain.
- New chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden vision changes.
These situations may require temporary changes in medication, monitoring, or diet. YOUR ROLE BETWEEN VISITS Most of diabetes management happens between appointments. Your role includes:
- Following the agreed plan as closely as practical.
- Noticing patterns in symptoms and readings.
- Practising supportive habits: food, movement, sleep, stress.
- Bringing honest feedback to the next appointment.
If something feels wrong or unsafe, contact your healthcare provider rather than waiting until the next scheduled visit. KEY POINTS SUMMARISED
- Type 2 Diabetes care works best as a partnership between you and your healthcare team.
- Regular checkups for A1C, kidneys, eyes, feet, blood pressure, and lipids are important for early detection and prevention.
- Preparing for appointments with questions and basic records makes visits more effective.
- Open communication about challenges and preferences leads to more realistic plans.
- It is acceptable to seek clarification or a second opinion when needed.
- Most of the work happens in daily life between visits; medical support provides guidance, monitoring, and adjustment.
Future chapters can link this medical partnership with home tracking tools, logs, and practical forms that make communication with the healthcare team even easier.