Commentary: In diabetes, if you're unable to follow the doctor's advice — and manage your own diabetes — you could have troubling outcomes. That's why diabetes patients should learn to 'speak diabetes.'
Elizabeth Snouffer, who's had Type 1 diabetes for most of her life, displays her insulin capsule on March 02, 2023, in New York City.A1C … BGM … triglycerides … carbohydrates … metabolic syndrome.
Diabetes is a disease with its own language. But sometimes, the doctor is alone in speaking in this special tongue. Patients diagnosed with this chronic condition may struggle to understand — or, worse, may misunderstand — even the most common terms.The upshot is that important information and advice — about the status of your diabetes and how to better manage it — can get lost in translation.
That’s why diabetes patients should learn to “speak diabetes.” As a practicing, board-certified endocrinologist for 28 years, I’ve counseled thousands of patients with diabetes. And in the course of my experience, I’ve arrived at some key observations. Patients’ knowledge and literacy about this disorder vary widely. Certain terms and concepts about the condition are more frequently misunderstood than others. Wrong ideas occasionally prevail.
Above all, your meeting with your doctor needs to be a true back-and-forth exchange, as opposed to a monologue with you merely a silent partner. You should have the ability to hold a conversation with a doctor that will improve your health in the long term. Remember: In this situation, it’sBased on research and anecdotal evidence assembled from my medical practice and learnings from other doctors, here are my top tips on how to “speak diabetes”:Educate yourself about your diabetes.
Speak with your facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice, as well as with words. For example, if you’re confused, it’s OK to frown or shake your head in a “no.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flood survivors speak out at Bucks Co. vigil as search continues for missing 9-month-oldUpper Makefield Township police say hundreds of people have been involved in the search and rescue efforts for the missing boy.
Read more »
Survivors of Bucks County flash flooding speak in ceremony to honor lives lostSunday night, as crews continued to search for Conrad, the community came together at the 9/11 Memorial Garden of Reflection in Yardley to stand with all those affected by the flooding in Bucks County.
Read more »
Family of Arizona victims killed in Washington State crash speak outThe families of two Arizona victims killed during a crash last week in Washington State are speaking out about their loved ones.
Read more »
Georgia GOP commissioner alleges reparations task force members were told not to speak to mediaFulton County, Georgia, Commissioner Bridget Thorne has alleged that the chairwoman of the county's reparations committee has told her appointee to the task force that he may not speak to the media.
Read more »