Free printable
Questions to ask your vet at a diabetes diagnosis
A diagnosis appointment is a lot to take in, and most owners forget half of what they meant to ask. Print this, take it in, and write each answer in your vet's own words. Bring someone with you if you can, because two people remember more than one.
Use your browser's print option to keep a paper copy for the fridge or the consulting room.
Before you go in
- Write down what made you book the appointment and when you first noticed it
- List the food, treats and any medicines or supplements your pet has now
- Note who else looks after your pet, so you can ask what they need to know
- Bring your pet insurance details if you have them
Understanding the diagnosis
Your vet knows your pet, so these answers are theirs to give.
- What did the tests show, and what does that mean for my pet?
- Is there anything else you want to check, and why?
- What should I expect over the first few weeks?
- Is there anything about the diagnosis I should watch for at home?
Insulin and injections
- Which insulin has been prescribed, and will you write down the amount and the times for me?
- Can you show me how to give the injection, and then watch me do it?
- Which syringes or pen do I need, and what should I match them to?
- How do I store the insulin, and how long can an opened vial be used?
- What should I do if I miss a dose, or am not sure a dose went in?
Food and treats
- What should my pet eat, how much, and at what times?
- What do I do about treats, and are any off the list?
- What should I do if my pet will not eat when the insulin is due?
Monitoring and records
- What should I write down each day, and how will you want to see it?
- Do you want me to test glucose at home, and will you show me how?
- When is the first recheck, and what will happen at it?
Safety and who to ring
- Which signs mean I should ring you the same day, and which mean an emergency?
- What is the out-of-hours number, and who answers it?
- What should I keep at home for an emergency, and when would I use it?
- Who can I contact between appointments with a question, and how quickly can I expect a reply?
Costs and practical matters
- What will the first few months cost, including tests, insulin, syringes and food?
- Can I have a written prescription, and where can I use it?
- How often will my pet need to come in?
- Is it all right to travel or use a boarder or sitter, and what should I tell them?
Go deeper
Mello is a tracking tool, so your vet is always the one to ask.