Diabetes, Hypertension & Cholesterol Care

Which numbers are reviewed each time you come back?

• Your blood sugar and any other blood work the medical team orders for your case
• Your blood pressure taken at rest and compared with the readings you log at home
• The fats in your blood, with good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides read separately
• Your weight, to see whether the eating plan is working
• The full list of pills you take today, including teas, home remedies and supplements

How do you get ready for your lab work?

1. When the order says fasting, your last meal should be the night before, 8 to 12 hours ahead; plain water won't affect the sample.
2. If you use insulin or diabetes pills, ask ahead what to do with that morning's dose so your sugar doesn't drop too low.
3. Bring your medicine bottles or a clear photo of every label.
4. If you check your sugar or pressure at home, bring the meter or the notebook with the last few weeks of readings.

Why isn't feeling fine enough?

High blood pressure and high blood sugar rarely give warning signs early on. Meanwhile they can slowly harm the heart, kidneys, eyesight and the nerves in your feet. Regular measurements let you correct course before complications show up.

What plan do you leave with?

• Written goals for your pressure, glucose and cholesterol
• Dose adjustments when your numbers call for them, explained one by one
• Ideas for your plate built around the food you already cook at home
• A way to stay active that fits your work schedule
• A call as soon as your lab results arrive and, if a value calls for it, a referral to a specialist

How often should you come back?

Usually every 3 to 6 months, depending on how stable your condition is. Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side or a drooping face are emergencies: call 911 instead of waiting for your checkup. Bring your reading log to the Airline Drive clinic any day of the week; patients are seen in order of arrival.