If you're anything like me, in-person diabetes appointments haven’t been a thing since before Covid. After years of virtual check-ins and relying on emails with my diabetic specialist nurse (DSN), I finally have an in-person diabetes review tomorrow and I have feelings about it.
Whether you see your health care team regularly or, like me, it's been a while, preparing for your diabetes review can help you feel more in control. Here’s how I’m getting ready for mine (and how you can too!).
1. Write Down Your Questions
Ever leave an appointment and immediately remember that one question you really wanted to ask? Same. That’s why I’m making a list ahead of time. Here are some prompts to help you think of your own:
✅ Have you noticed any patterns in your CGM (Dexcom/Freestyle Libre) or insulin pump data?
✅ Are there any dosing adjustments you’ve been considering?
✅ Any recent struggles: highs, lows, burnout that you want to discuss?
2. Gather Your CGM & Insulin Pump Data
Your diabetic nurse (DSN) will love you for this. I’ll be:
📊 Downloading my Dexcom data
📊 Reviewing my insulin pump settings
📊 Checking for trends in my CGM reports
If you don’t use a pump or CGM, jot down key blood sugar patterns from your meter instead!
3. Review Your Doses & Blood Sugar Patterns
I’m looking over the past few weeks of my blood sugars to see if anything stands out. Have I been waking up high? Dropping low after meals? Struggling with insulin resistance? Knowing this ahead of time helps me advocate for any changes I might need.
4. Acknowledge (& Manage) Appointment Anxiety
Medical trauma is real, and after years of difficult experiences, I still get anxious about diabetes check-ups. Here’s what helps:
💬 Telling my DSN ahead of time that I feel anxious so they can be mindful.
📅 Bringing a written list so I don’t have to rely on my memory when I’m nervous.
🎧 Listening to music or a podcast before my appointment to help me stay calm.
If you’re nervous, you’re not alone. Give yourself grace, it’s okay to find these things difficult!
5. Remember: Your Health Care Team is There to Support You
It’s easy to feel like appointments are about being judged on your numbers, but your diabetes review is a chance to get support. It’s okay to ask for help, push for changes, or say no to advice that doesn’t work for you. You know your diabetes best!
Wish me luck for my first in-person review in years! And if you’ve got one coming up, I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared.
