Diabetes appointments can feel short, and it's easy to walk out thinking, "I forgot to ask about that." You're not alone. A little preparation can make the time you have with your care team feel calmer and more useful.
This diabetes appointment checklist covers what to gather beforehand, what to bring, which questions are worth asking, and how to follow up afterward. Use whatever parts help you, whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth.
Before the appointment: gather your logs
Your care team can learn a lot from your day-to-day patterns. A few days before your visit, pull together what you've been tracking:
- Glucose readings, if you check at home. Many meters and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can share or print reports. Ask your clinic how they prefer to receive them.
- Notes on meals, activity, sleep, and stress, even if they're brief.
- Any lows or highs, with the date, time, and what was going on around them.
- Changes since your last visit, like a new job, illness, travel, or a shift in routine.
If you don't have logs yet, that's okay. Start with even a few days of notes. Our guide on how to use a daily diabetes planner shows a simple way to track without it taking over your day.
Then, look for patterns rather than perfect numbers. Did readings tend to run higher on certain days? Did you feel more tired after poor sleep? Everyone's glucose responds differently, so these notes are about your patterns, not anyone else's.
What to bring: documents, devices, and your medication list
Your medication list
Write down everything you take, not just diabetes medicines. Include:
- The name and dose of each prescription medication, and when you take it.
- Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Any doses you've missed often, or any side effects you've noticed.
- Medications you've stopped, and why.
Be honest about what you're actually taking. Your care team isn't there to judge. They need accurate information to make safe decisions with you.
Devices and supplies
- Your glucose meter, CGM receiver, or the phone app you use.
- Your insulin pen or pump, if you use one, especially if you have questions about technique.
- Any supplies that are running low, so you can ask about refills.
Documents
- Your insurance card and photo ID.
- Recent lab results or reports from other providers, like your eye doctor or a specialist.
- A list of your other healthcare providers and their contact information.
Questions worth asking at your diabetes appointment
Appointments go fast, so write down your top three questions and ask those first. Here are some ideas to choose from.
About your numbers and targets
- What was my latest A1C, and how does it compare to last time?
- What are my personal targets for A1C and blood glucose? (Targets are set individually, based on your health and needs.)
- If I use a CGM, what should I focus on in my reports?
- Are my lows or highs something we should look at more closely?
About medications
- Is my current plan working, or should we consider any changes?
- Are there side effects I should watch for?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Is cost a barrier? Are there lower-cost options?
Any change to your medication or insulin should be decided together with your care team.
About screenings and prevention
The American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care recommend regular checks to catch problems early. Ask which of these are due for you:
- Eye exam: a dilated or retinal eye exam to check for diabetic eye disease.
- Foot exam: a check of your skin, circulation, and feeling in your feet, at least once a year.
- Kidney tests: a urine test for albumin and a blood test (eGFR) to check kidney function, at least once a year.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol, which are part of protecting your heart.
- Vaccines your care team recommends.
- Dental care, and whether you're due for a visit.
About daily life
- Can you refer me to a dietitian or a diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) program?
- Is it safe for me to start or increase exercise?
- How am I doing emotionally, and is there support for diabetes distress or burnout?
Your printable diabetes appointment checklist
Copy this list onto a notecard or save it on your phone:
- Glucose logs or CGM/meter report (last 1–2 weeks or since last visit)
- Notes on meals, activity, sleep, and stress
- Notes on any lows or highs (date, time, what happened)
- Complete medication and supplement list, with doses
- Glucose meter, CGM receiver, or phone app
- Insulin pen or pump, if you have technique questions
- List of supplies or prescriptions that need refills
- Insurance card and photo ID
- Recent lab results and notes from other providers
- Your top three questions, written down
- A pen and paper (or phone) for notes
- A support person, if you'd like a second set of ears
Our free 7-Day Starter Pack also includes an appointment prep worksheet you can print and fill in.
After the appointment: notes and next steps
Before you leave, take a moment to confirm the plan. It helps to repeat it back in your own words, like "So I'll keep the same dose and get labs in three months, right?"
- Write down any changes to medications, targets, or routines.
- Ask for a visit summary or check your patient portal afterward.
- Book your next appointments, labs, and referrals while you're there, if you can.
- Pick one or two next steps to focus on before your next visit.
- Add new questions to your running list as they come up.
When to talk to your care team between visits
You don't have to wait for your next appointment if something comes up. Call your care team if you have frequent lows or highs, side effects that worry you, trouble affording medication or supplies, or a foot sore that isn't healing. If you have signs of a low, like shakiness, sweating, or confusion, follow the plan your care team gave you. Severe low blood sugar is an emergency, so call 911.
A little prep goes a long way. Each appointment is a chance to work with your team on a plan that fits your life.
