The following is a sample dialogue on the right questions to ask in the assessment of diabetes medication change needs. Download a pdf or read below.
Avoid:
Broad questions that allow vague, superficial responses
Shaming or criticizing
Implying that you don’t trust the patient to report the truth
Don’t Say: How are you feeling?
Say:
How have you been sleeping this last couple of weeks?
Are you eating the same, or is your appetite different?
Have you had any new aches and pains?
At your last visit, we talked about your new meal plan / starting new medication / the sore on your right foot.
Can you update me on what’s happened since then?
Don’t Say: Are you taking your medication like you’re supposed to?
Say:
When did you last fill your prescriptions?
Can you show me how many pills you have left?
It looks like you need to get it refilled.
Have you had trouble getting your medication filled?
Are your meds giving you any side effects?
Have you felt sick lately?
Don’t Say: Your numbers look really bad. You need to get those down.
Say:
I was just comparing your A1C from last time with your most recent test. It looks like your numbers have gone up. Can you tell me how things have been going?
From your sugar log, it looks like your levels are higher than last time we talked and you’re missing some days.
Has it been hard to keep track?
How are you feeling about it?