Approximately 6.4% of the world’s population is diabetic. This is nothing to sneeze at. The condition is a known culprit behind heart attacks and is believed to kill its victims at least 10 years before their time.
What makes it even worse is the fact that you may never get to know you have diabetes until it has done some serious damage to a vital organ in your body. That explains why it is known as a silent killer.
When Should You See a Diabetes Doctor?
Well, the mere fact that you cannot tell you have diabetes at its early stages should be reason enough to have you checked as soon as now.
If you’ve already been diagnosed, you may never need a diabetes specialist unless your primary care provider recommends so or you’re having problems managing your diabetes.
The following symptoms will help you know your diabetes is not well controlled:
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Numbness and pain in the feet which may result from nerve damage
- Unusual weight loss or gain
- Kidney problems
- Breath shortness
- Chest pain
If your case of diabetes is uncomplicated, the frequency of your visits to your primary care provider should be determined by the treatment you’re following.
Patients undergoing insulin administration should see their doctor at least four times a year. Those who take pills, on the other hand, can see their doctor 2 to 3 times a year.
What to Expect from a Diabetes Doctor
Your doctor will want to know how well your diabetes is being kept under control and whether the symptoms are getting worse or just starting. You will need to provide them with your personal blood sugar monitoring records and let them know about diet changes, prescriptions for other illnesses, your workout regimen and anything that may trigger complications or prompt treatment adjustment.
They will take measurements of your weight, height and vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure. You mouth will be checked for oral infections; your hands and feet for sores and skin infections; your blood sugar using a finger stick; and your heart and lungs using a stethoscope for any changes that may signal an improvement or worsening of your diabetes.
Preparation before you see a diabetes doctor
A copy of your medical records is something you will have to bring with you because your doctor will need it. They will also need a summary of recent significant diet and exercise changes together with a list of any medications you may have started recently. This may include recent vaccinations and foot and eye exams.
If this is your first meeting with the doctor, bring them pertinent family health history as well. Also, have questions about your condition and how to control it written down instead of just memorized. This will help save both you and the doctor some precious time and make your experience in the office swift.
Meet a diabetes specialist today
If you’re looking for a diabetes doctor, the experienced Dr. David Zarian might be among the few reliable options there are in Encino. Call him or visit his office today for diagnosis and/or treatment of your diabetes.