Questions to ask your diabetes team (printable)

A printable list of questions to bring to diabetes appointments: your diagnosis, blood sugar targets, medicines, insulin, lows, checkups, food, activity, feelings and costs.

5 min read · last reviewed October 3, 2026

Diabetes appointments can feel rushed, and it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask. A written list helps. Print this page, circle or tick the questions that matter to you, and bring it to your next visit. You don't need to ask them all at once. Diabetes is a long-term partnership, and there will be many chances to ask.

Before any visit

• Write your top 3 questions at the top of the page.
• Bring your meter, CGM reader or phone app, or your log book of readings.
• Bring a list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. Or bring the bottles.
• Bring a friend or family member if you can, to listen and take notes.
• Note any lows, high readings, sick days or new symptoms since your last visit.
• If something isn't clear, it's okay to say, "Can you explain that another way?"

When you're first diagnosed

• What type of diabetes do I have? How do you know?
• What do my test results mean? What was my A1C?
• What caused this? Is there anything I should tell my family about their own risk?
• What is my treatment plan for the next few months?
• Who is on my diabetes team, and what does each person do?
• Can you refer me to a diabetes education program and a dietitian?
• Who do I call with questions, and how do I reach them after hours?
• Where can I learn more? Are there resources for my family?

Blood sugar and targets

• What A1C target is right for me?
• Do I need to check my blood sugar at home? How often, and at what times?
• What blood sugar range should I aim for before and after meals?
• Would a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) help me? Is it covered?
• What should I do if my readings are often higher than my target?
• How often will I have my A1C checked?

Medicines

• What does each of my medicines do? How and when should I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• Can any of my medicines cause low blood sugar?
• Do any of my medicines also protect my heart or kidneys?
• How long will I need to take them?
• Which medicines should I pause on sick days, and when do I restart them?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Is there a less costly option, or a program to help pay for my medicines?

If you take insulin

• What kind of insulin am I taking, and when should I take it?
• Can you show me how to use my pen or syringe, and where to inject?
• How should I store my insulin, at home and when travelling?
• How do I adjust my insulin for meals, exercise or sick days?
• Should I have glucagon at home? Who should learn to use it?

Low blood sugar

• What number should I treat as low?
• What are the signs of a low, and how should I treat it?
• What should I do about driving?
• What should my family do if I can't treat a low myself?

Checkups and complications

• When are my next eye exam, kidney tests and foot exam due?
• What were my kidney test results (eGFR and urine albumin)?
• What are my blood pressure and cholesterol targets?
• How should I check and care for my feet at home?
• Which vaccines do I need this year?
• What signs should make me call you right away?

Food and activity

• Can I see a dietitian?
• Is there a way of eating you'd recommend for me? Do I need to count carbs?
• Can you help me adapt my family's foods and traditions?
• Is alcohol safe for me?
• What kind of activity is safe for me, and how much should I aim for?
• Are there exercise programs for people with diabetes near me?

Feelings and daily life

• Is it normal to feel overwhelmed? Who can I talk to?
• Are there support groups for people with diabetes, or for families?
• Are there any rules I need to follow about driving?
• How do I manage diabetes at work, school or when travelling?
• I'm thinking about pregnancy. What should I know and do first?

Before you leave

• What are the most important things I should do before my next visit?
• Did anything change in my treatment today?
• When is my next appointment, and what tests do I need before it?
• Who do I call if I have a problem?

Notes

Use this space to write down answers, new medicines, or your next steps.

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Something you can do today: Print this page and circle three questions for your next visit.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your health care team about your own situation. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

General information, not medical advice. It does not replace your own care team. If you think you or someone else is having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada and the US).

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