How to prepare for a video visit about Prediabetes (Lifestyle Counseling)

Audience: adult

If you have prediabetes, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn how to make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During the visit, you will discuss healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and other habits that support blood sugar control. Preparing for the visit by gathering your medical history, current medications, and recent lab results can make the conversation more productive. Telemedicine allows you to connect with your provider from home, saving time and providing comfort. However, it is important to know when to seek in-person care, especially if you experience symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or sudden weight loss. This guide will help you get ready for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for prediabetes, and know the next steps after your appointment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Extreme thirst or dry mouth that does not improve with water intake — seek urgent in-person care.
• Frequent urination, especially at night, causing sleep disruption — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss or severe fatigue — get evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing lifestyle habits and setting goals for diet and exercise.
• Reviewing medical history and lab results you have available.
• Providing education about prediabetes and prevention strategies.
• Answering questions about managing prediabetes.
• Referring to specialists or diabetes prevention programs.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or blood tests.
• Diagnosing or managing complications requiring urgent care.
• Prescribing medications that require in-person assessment.
• Handling emergency symptoms or severe health changes.

What is Prediabetes and Why Lifestyle Counseling Matters

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. Lifestyle counseling focuses on healthy habits like eating balanced meals, increasing physical activity, and managing weight. These changes can often delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather your recent blood sugar or HbA1c test results if you have them. Write down your current medications, supplements, and any questions you want to ask. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection and a device with a camera. Test your video and audio to avoid technical issues.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your health history and lab results. They will discuss your lifestyle habits and help set realistic goals for diet and exercise. You may receive educational materials or referrals to dietitians or diabetes prevention programs. The provider can answer your questions and support your efforts to improve your health.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or severe fatigue, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate your blood sugar is very high or you have developed diabetes that needs urgent treatment.

Benefits and Limits of Telemedicine for Prediabetes

Telemedicine can provide convenient access to counseling and follow-up support. It allows you to connect with your provider without travel. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or lab tests during the visit. You may need to visit a clinic or lab for blood tests or urgent care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection.
• Charge your device and test video and audio before the visit.
• Have your recent lab results and medical history ready to share.
• List your current medications and supplements.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure you know how to use the telemedicine platform or app.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the lifestyle recommendations and goals set during the visit.
• Schedule any recommended lab tests or in-person follow-ups.
• Monitor your symptoms and blood sugar if advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any red flag symptoms.
• Keep notes of your progress and questions for future visits.
• Join recommended support groups or diabetes prevention programs if available.

FAQs

What kind of lifestyle changes help with prediabetes?

Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week, and losing excess weight can help lower blood sugar levels.

Can I get a diagnosis through a video visit?

Telemedicine can review your existing test results and symptoms, but a formal diagnosis often requires blood tests done in a clinic or lab.

What if I don’t have recent lab results?

Your provider may advise you to get blood tests done locally before or after the video visit to better assess your condition.

How often should I have follow-up visits?

Follow-up frequency varies but is often every 3 to 6 months to monitor progress and adjust recommendations.

Is telemedicine safe for managing prediabetes?

Telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to receive counseling and support but is not a substitute for in-person care when physical exams or urgent treatment are needed.

Sources

1. Prediabetes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Prediabetes - Lifestyle Changes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Prediabetes: Overview and Lifestyle Management — Mayo Clinic.
4. Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any serious symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention in person.