Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Questions for the Doctor

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Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s a chronic (long-term) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose (sugar) and releases it into your bloodstream for your cells to use as energy. When you have diabetes, too much glucose builds up in your blood, which can cause serious health problems over time.

Many things can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. For example, you’re more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you’re older than age 45 years, if you have overweight or obesity, or if you have prediabetes. People with prediabetes have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, including:

• Reaching and staying at a healthy weight
• Staying active
• Eating healthy
• Quitting smoking

Talk with your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes. Your doctor may also refer you to a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian is a health professional who helps people with healthy eating.

What do I ask the doctor?

When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes. Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.

• Am I at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes?
• Do you recommend that I get tested for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes?
• What are the warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
• What’s a healthy weight for me to aim for? What are some healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off?
• How much physical activity do I need to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes?
• What changes can I make to my diet to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes?
• Do my blood pressure numbers and cholesterol levels increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?

You can also ask your doctor about resources that can help you work to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. For example:

• Can you give me some information about preventing type 2 diabetes to take home with me?
• Can you refer me to a diabetes prevention program nearby or online?

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