Page 9 - Diabetes
P. 9
NEWS&
NOTES
DIABETES QUIZ DIABETES RESOURCES
How Much Do You Know
about Diabetes and New
Technological Developments?
Technology advances our lives in many
ways, and managing diabetes is no
exception. Take this quiz to see how
much you know about new and improved
technologies that make managing your
diabetes easier.
1. Which of the following new blood
sugar monitoring technologies is now Let’s Talk Diabetes
available in the United States? alking about diabetes is not easy, even with familiar doctors. There
A. A breathalyzer test Tare several ways to effectively communicate with doctors and other
B. An implantable blood sugar monitor health-care professionals to ensure that you get the most out of your
C. A tattoo next visit. Here are a few tips to improve communication.
D. A piercing Prepare for your visit. With the average doctor’s visit lasting about 15
2. What are some ways your smart- minutes—including about five minutes for patients to talk—it’s important
phone can help you manage your to be ready for what you want to say. Write down a list of questions or
blood sugar? More than one answer topics that you want to discuss since it’s common to forget questions dur-
may apply. ing an appointment. Once you’re in the office, ask your most important
A. Apps that allow you to record your food questions first in case the doctor is interrupted.
B. Apps to help you plan meals Write down the answers. Taking notes will help avoid any misunder-
C. Apps that find diabetes-friendly standing about what your doctor said. Use your mobile device to take
restaurants notes or ask your doctor if you can record the visit. Recording the visit
D. Apps that send results to your doctor through your mobile device is also helpful for sharing the information
with family members. If you cannot write down the answers or record the
3. How is blood sugar measured with- visit, ask someone to come with you who can help follow the conversation.
out pricking your finger? Your loved one may think of questions or remember details about your
A. Finger pricks are still required, but they symptoms or treatment that you may forget to mention.
are more sensitive to less blood and Share symptoms. Don’t forget to talk about any new symptoms that you
therefore might be experiencing. Maybe you’ve been having more hyperglycemic
are not as painful. events or your A1C levels have been higher than normal. Your doctor
B. Carbon dioxide exhalation needs to know this information for effective diabetes management.
C. Continuous glucose monitoring Drug discussion. If your doctor prescribes a new medicine, adds
D. Saliva testing another drug or switches you to something new, there are a number of
4. In addition to your computer and questions that you should consider asking: Why are you prescribing this
smartphone, what other electronic medicine or changing my prescription? How and when should I take
and/or technological devices are being this medication? What are the side effects? Will it interact with any other
used to help manage diabetes? More medicines I’m taking? How will I know if the medication is working? Will
than one answer may be correct. my insurance cover this medicine?
®
A. Bluetooth -capable technology Follow-up questions. Ask your doctor to repeat the information or
B. Wristwatch explain technical language if it’s unclear. It’s also helpful to summarize
C. iPad the facts in your own words. Some common phrases include: “What you’re
D. Videogame devices saying is that I should…” or “If I understand you correctly, my next step
is…” If you’re more of a visual learner, ask your doctor for brochures
Shutterstock/Alexander Raths 5. True or False: All diabetes-related or printouts that can help explain the material.
apps and devices are covered by
insurance.
Paul Wynn, a writer based in Garrison, New York, is a regular contributor to Diabetes
Self-Management.
DiabetesSelfManagement.com 7
