Getting Ready for a Visit

Write your questions down before you go. Even small ones count.

List every medicine you take. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter products and supplements. Over-the-counter products are things you buy without a prescription. A supplement is a product you take by mouth, like a vitamin or herb.

Think of your list as a map for your team. Your doctor decides on any changes, so share the full list.

Bindu holds a folder across from a smiling doctor with a stethoscope. Part of the list: only a Prescriptions note comes out, and the doctor's head shows a question mark, with the words The doctor sees only part. Full list: three notes come out, Prescriptions, Over-the-counter and Supplements. The doctor turns green and hands back a sheet with a tick that reads A full map for your team.

Bring your blood sugar log if you keep one, even if it looks messy. A log is like a diary of your readings.

A trusted person can come with you too. They can listen, take notes or remember the questions you wanted to ask.

A short story of getting ready for a visit, choosing whether to bring a messy log and a family member.

Key takeaways

• Write your questions before you go, even the small ones.
• Bring a full list of medicines and supplements.
• Bring your log, and a friend if you like.

Try it

Tonight, write your questions and list every medicine and supplement you take.