Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, it's time to take a step back and make a decision about who will be your partner in managing your diabetes. If you have a doctor who communicates well, listens to your thoughts and concerns, and seems up to speed on current developments in diabetes care, you may decide to stay with her. However, if your doctor-patient relationship is more on the dysfunctional side, it may be time to shop around for someone new. Here are a few questions to consider:

• Does your physician provide cutting-edge care? Is she current on the latest clinical studies, new products, and treatment guidelines?

• Is your doctor willing to listen and learn? Does she let you voice questions and concerns and give you a chance to ask follow-up questions?

• Is she reasonably available? How does she handle daytime and after-hours phone calls from patients? Does she return calls in a timely manner?

• Does she treat the person, not just the disease? Does her treatment philosophy reflect a good understanding of the social and emotional impact of diabetes?

• What's her bedside manner like? Is she abrupt with her staff? Does she brush off patient questions? Do you want a person who just isn't nice to be your treatment partner for the lifelong commitment of diabetes management?

• Does she tell it like it is? Having a doctor who explains tests and treatment decisions is essential. She should be able to communicate with you frankly and in terms you can understand.

Remember, your doctor is only one member of your health care team, albeit an important one. She should communicate well with other members of the team as well as with you — sharing information and getting consultation on treatment decisions when appropriate (for instance, talking with a neonatologist or ob-gyn to discuss a patient who has type 1 diabetes and is pregnant).

Do You Need a Specialist?

You may need to get a new doctor who specializes in diabetes if your health care picture is complex or you or your physician don't feel comfortable with his level of expertise in diabetes care. An endocrinologist is a physician who specializes in gland and hormone disorders. He may work with a variety of endocrine disorders or focus specifically on diabetes.

Diabetologist is another name for a physician — endocrinologist, internist, or otherwise — who specializes in diabetes care. Children with diabetes may also benefit from the expertise of a pediatric endocrinologist (or pediatrician with a special expertise in the management of diabetes).

Some people choose to continue to see their internist or general practitioner for regular health care checkups and non-diabetes-related ailments, and visit an endocrinologist for diabetes care. If you go this route, encourage your health care providers to communicate and share information openly. Remember, you are the head of your health care team.

Communication Is Key

So exactly what defines good communication? It's talking with each other rather than at each other — listening instead of just hearing and explaining rather than commanding. If you ask your doctor why he has ordered a certain test, he should be able to explain it in nontechnical language. And if your doctor has questions about your self-care, you should be forthright and honest so he can provide you with the best care possible. Here are a few other suggestions you may find useful in improving communication with your doctor:

• Think about the symptom(s), questions, and treatment issues you want to discuss in advance. Bring notes if necessary.

• Bring your medications (in their original bottles) with you. This should include herbs and supplements — your doctor should know what you're taking because some supplements may interact with other medications or may be inappropriate for diabetes patients.

• Treat your doctor as you would like to be treated — respectfully and candidly.

• Bring someone else along to join you after the examination to hear what the doctor is recommending.

• Take your pills as prescribed; if you are not taking your pills, let your doctor know.

• Don't be a “no-show” for appointments, and let the scheduler know exactly what you need to see the doctor for so she can book your appointment for an appropriate length of time.