Here are some questions that you might want to ask.

• Why do I have diabetes?
• What type of diabetes do I have?
• What kind of diet and exercise should I follow?
• What is the best way for me to take insulin?
• Could the food I eat be making my diabetes worse?
• Do I have to stop eating sweet foods?
• Should I be checking my blood glucose level myself? How often do I have to check my blood glucose?
• Will I get bouts of low blood sugar? If so, how can I recognize them and how should I treat them?
• Can I keep on driving?
• Is there anything I can't do?
• Should I be exercising more? Is there anything special I should do before I exercise? (Take less insulin? Eat something, such as a banana?)
• Am I at risk of getting any other diseases?
• What can I do to avoid getting extra problems (complications)?
• Are members of my family likely to get this type of diabetes, too? If so, is there anything I can do to protect them?
• What should I do before planning to become pregnant?

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.