Much of my work over the past 3 decades as a practicing endocrinologist has centered on helping my patients with diabetes take greater control of their blood sugar. This is one of the reasons I founded the nonprofit organization, Taking Control of Your Diabetes, and authored a book of the same name. In working with these patients, I try to tailor my advice in the form of tangible and practical actions.
Of course, medication may play a large part in a patient’s path. So beyond the vital task of educating patients, it’s my role as a clinician to stay on top of the research and treatment options as they become available. I want to give my patients choices that are appropriate for their needs as they take a more active part in their care. This includes when it’s time for them to add basal insulin to their treatment regimen.