General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
  • Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don’t forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification if necessary.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Metabolic Syndrome

  • What is metabolic syndrome?
  • Am I at risk of developing metabolic syndrome?
  • What should I do to avoid developing metabolic syndrome?
  • Are there any medications to take to prevent or to treat metabolic syndrome?
  • What are the complications of metabolic syndrome?
  • What are the risk factors of metabolic syndrome?
  • What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
  • How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
  • Is there any genetic influence which I should know about?
  • Are my children at risk of metabolic syndrome? How is diagnosis made?

About Obesity and Weight Loss

  • What is my weight? Am I considered overweight or obese?
  • Is my weight right for my height?
  • What should my target weight be?
  • What is my body mass index (BMI)? What does it mean to my health?
  • Is there a different criteria to define obesity depending on my ethnic background?
  • How is my waist size? Is the measurement significant to my health?
  • What are the health risks associated with being overweight?
  • How can I lose weight?
  • Are there any weight loss programs you would recommend?
  • Are there any medications I can take that would help me lose weight?
  • Are there any support groups you could recommend to help me lose weight?
  • Do you recommend that I see a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, to rule out any medical conditions that could be responsible for my excess weight?
  • How often should I check my weight?
  • What if I can’t lose all the weight I need to lose?

About Heart Disease

  • What is heart disease?
  • How will having heart disease affect me?
  • Can this condition be reversed or will it affect me for the rest of my life?
  • Are there any restrictions on my activities if I have heart disease?
  • How can I tell if the disease worsens?
  • Are there any medications I can take to improve my condition?
  • What lifestyle changes should I make?
  • What are the warning signs for heart disease?

About Diabetes

  • What is diabetes?
  • How will having diabetes affect me? Why is it important for me to control?
  • Will I have diabetes forever?
  • Will I need to take insulin? Will I have to give myself shots?
  • How often do I need to test my blood for sugar levels?
  • Are there any medications I can take to treat or prevent diabetes?
  • What are the side effects of these medications?
  • What are the warning signs for diabetes?
  • Which is more important in terms of predicting complications later on— the before meal blood sugar or the after meal blood sugar?
  • What is “pre-diabetes”?

About Blood Pressure

  • What is my blood pressure?
  • What is an optimal blood pressure for me?
  • What is white coat hypertension?
  • What is high blood pressure?
  • How will having high blood pressure affect me?
  • What can I do to lower my blood pressure?
  • Are there any medications I can take to lower my blood pressure?
  • What are the side effects of these medications?
  • How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
  • How does the salt in my diet affect my blood pressure?
  • What are the warning signs for high blood pressure?

About Cholesterol

  • What is my cholesterol profile (LDL or “bad cholesterol,” HDL levels or “good cholesterol,” and their ratios)?
  • Can you explain what the numbers from my cholesterol profile mean?
  • What are the complications of unhealthy levels of cholesterol?
  • How can I lower my cholesterol?
  • Are there any medications that I can take to lower my cholesterol?
  • What are the side effects of these medications?
  • Will I have to take these medications for the rest of my life?
  • What can I do, other than taking medications, to lower my cholesterol?
  • How often should I have my cholesterol levels checked?

About Stroke Prevention

  • What is a stroke?
  • Am I at risk for having a stroke?
  • What are the warning signs for stroke?

About Lifestyle Changes

Alcohol

  • How much can I drink?
  • Does it matter if I drink beer or hard liquor?
  • Is red wine beneficial for me? If so, how much could I drink a week?

Smoking

  • How can I quit?
  • Do I have to quit cold turkey?
  • Are there any programs you would recommend?
  • Are there any medications I could take to help me quit smoking?
  • How long do the effects of my cigarette smoking affect my body after I quit?
  • Would cutting back on smoking (but not quitting) help?
  • Will I gain weight if I stop smoking?

Physical Activity

  • Is it safe for me to exercise?
  • How often should I exercise? How long do you recommend I exercise?
  • Is there any type of exercise you would recommend for me?
  • Are there any types of physical activity that I should avoid?
  • Do you recommend that I work with a physical trainer to improve my physical activity?

Healthy Eating Habits

  • Do you have any information about improving my eating habits?
  • What type of foods should I avoid?
  • What type of foods should I try to incorporate into my diet?
  • Do you recommend that I meet with a specialist, such as a dietician, to improve my diet?
  • Do you have any suggestions for how to cook my food?
  • How do I read food labels?
  • Should I avoid all sodas?