Your endocrinologist appointment: 9 important tips
Organization is the key to success
People living with diabetes are like superheroes. You deal with a lot and manage both big and small details involved in day-to-day care, but how often do you step back to recognize that? Frequent tasks may include counting carbs, infusion set or sensor changes, picking up insulin at the pharmacy, or going to an endocrinologist appointment.
That being said, organization is key to getting it all done! For example, if you had an endocrinologist appointment coming up, you’ll need to plan for your A1C blood test prior. What other things can you do to get more organized and prepare for something like a doctor appointment?
Prepare for your endocrinologist appointment
Here are our 9 important tips on how to ready yourself for a visit to your diabetes healthcare team and make the most of your time:
- Set a reminder: Mark your calendar a few days before your blood test or endocrinologist appointment to stay ahead of the game.
- Fasting reminder: If fasting is required, inform a loved one or leave sticky notes in prominent places for a helpful nudge.
- Appointment alert: Set a reminder for the actual appointment day to avoid any surprises.
- Note-taking: Jot down questions and important topics you want to discuss during your endocrinologist appointment.
- Goal-oriented mentality: Approach the appointment with the aim of taking away one crucial insight for future care.
- Bring your devices: Don't forget your blood glucose meter, and, if needed, any backup meters for data upload.
- Infusion set planning: Consider where to wear your infusion set for easy access, especially if syncing your pump is on the agenda.
- Medication list: Carry a list of current and discontinued medications and discuss any prescription changes.
- Schedule a follow-up: Before leaving, secure your next endocrinologist appointment to maintain the proactive approach. Don’t forget to save it immediately on your cell phone calendar.
Have additional tips or insights? Share them! Let's make the journey to your endocrinologist appointment as smooth and stress-free as possible. Your health is your superpower, after all!
[Originally published 2017-04-20. Updated 2024-02-28]
Blog comments
Regarding # 7. Since I wear a shirt and pants to my Dr's appointment I just take my reservoir attached to my tubing out of the pump when handing it over to be uploaded. I'm not terribly sensitive to insulin so I don't even suspend the pump. That way I get a little bolus for the time I had the pump separated from the reservoir.
I do the same thing. I find this to be the easiest/simplest way to have my endocrinologist deal with my pump. I also remove the reservoir from the pump when I shower in the morning. That way, I get any insulin I missed when I reconnect and re-insert the reservoir into the pump.
I'm sorry - I'm not following how you "get a little bolus for the time I had the pump separated from the reservoir"? The more I think about it though, it seems as though you may be correct since the pump will continue to pump insulin with no reservoir on board so it delivers the insulin once you reinsert the reservoir? In the Dr's office your tubing would still be connected - is that correct? I don't know why the Dr's never said to do that, for example, for shower time? Go figure. Thanks for the tip - I like it!
I use to do that too but my NP told me that doing this could cause a malfunction. Something about reconnecting the reservoir when the inside part may have moved a bit can cause a problem with the infusion. I use to do this a lot and never had a problem. But just a heads up that it could potentially cause an issue.
I download my pump to Carelink the night before my appointment and give my doctor access to my account so that she can review the reports and then she is ready to talk to me about issues (trends) that she notices and then we can agree upon changes that I can make for better blood sugar numbers.
How can I get a care link acct. I like to do that too ahead a time.
David, you can learn more about CareLink and register an account here: https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/carelink-personal-diabetes-s….
I am afraid to do that (take the reservoir out of the pump in the doctor's office) because several times when changing the pump, the little plastic part that holds it in my pump breaks off. Am I the only one that has had that happen?
I've had that happen also and don't disconnect the reservoir for that reason.
Thanks - I upload my numbers often but they still take the pump - I'm thinking they are making sure they have the most recent numbers - I'm fine either way.
I'm not sure about removing the reservoir - I'll be thinking about that a bit more before I try it - Thanks to all for your input and ideas - someday these will no longer be issues for us or anyone!
I have always removed resorvoir at Dr with no issues. Appreciate all knowledge from diabetics like me. I got a new Revel pump last year from Medtronics an it is great. Dr appointment tomorrow. Prayers appreciated. Lots of highs lately, hope she can adjust. New Endo to see.
Best of luck at your appointment - you may have an infections somewhere - my numbers are a sign when elevated for no apparent reason. Maybe an adjustment will do the trick - either way, wishing you the very best!
Thanks for these tips for for going to a doctor's appointment. I'm glad that you explained you should try to leave the office with one important take-away. Maybe it could be good to have a notepad of some kind to write it down as a reminder.
I thought that it was helpful when you suggested to take a photo of the medications that you take to bring with you to the doctor. My wife and I want to find someone to help us with our health, and it would be important for us to remember the medications that we take, so we could tell our new doctor. When we find one, I will be sure to bring a picture of my medications to the appointment.
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