How to Talk to a Client’s Doctor About Fitness and Blood Sugar

As a fitness professional, you play a critical role in your clients' health. Still, when they have diabetes or blood sugar concerns, it can feel intimidating to collaborate with their medical provider.

You might ask yourself:

• "Can I legally reach out to a doctor?"

• "What am I allowed to say?"

• "Will I sound like I'm overstepping?"

When done professionally, effective communication with a client's healthcare team aligns with your role, fosters trust, enhances patient safety, and demonstrates your commitment to achieving results. Fitness professionals who grasp the art of collaborating with doctors effectively and diabetes educators distinguish themselves in the burgeoning field of chronic condition care.

Here's precisely how to do it, with confidence and clarity.

UnderstandING Your Vital Role in the Care Team

You are not replacing a doctor. You are extending their care.

As a trainer, your role is to:

• Support safe, effective physical activity

• Respect the client's medical conditions and prescriptions

• Identify signs that may require medical attention

• Reinforce healthy behavior change

Just to remind you, you are an expert in movement, not medicine. Follow exercise, lifestyle, and wellness recommendations and leave medication to your client's healthcare provider.

Get Written Client Permission First

Before reaching out to any provider, please obtain your client's consent. An example might look something like this:

"I [Client's Name] give [Trainer Name] permission to communicate with my healthcare provider about my fitness program and blood glucose management strategies related to exercise."

Having your client sign and date this document is not just a formality. It remains a crucial step that safeguards your practice, upholds privacy laws such as HIPAA, and underscores your professionalism.

Know What to Include

Your first communication with a doctor or diabetes educator should be:

• Brief (1 page or less)

• Professional in tone

• Focused on exercise safety and support

Example Email or Fax Structure:

Subject: Collaboration Request for [Client Name] 's Exercise Plan

Dear Dr. [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name]. I'm a certified personal trainer working with your patient, [Client Name], on a structured fitness program to improve blood glucose stability, insulin sensitivity, and overall health.

[Client Name] has given written consent for us to communicate regarding their exercise readiness and needs.

To support safe training, I'd appreciate any guidance or limitations you'd like us to follow, especially regarding:

• Hypoglycemia risk

• Ideal exercise intensity/duration

• Any medication timing considerations

• Relevant CGM thresholds or concerns

I support your care plan and reinforce your recommendations through safe movement practices.

Thank you for your time and partnership.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Certifications]

[Contact Info]

Use CGM Data as a Conversation Tool

If your client uses a CGM (like Dexcom or Stelo), you may have access to patterns like:

• Rapid glucose drops during cardio

• Post-meal spikes before strength training

• Inconsistencies based on medication timing

You don't need to interpret this as a clinician, but you can say:

"I've observed a recurring glucose drop 20 minutes into moderate-intensity training. I'd love to confirm if their current medication protocol should be adjusted or if we should reduce volume."

Remember, doctors appreciate data-backed observations paired with professional restraint.

Follow Up Respectfully, And Sparingly

Doctors are busy. If you don't get a reply immediately, wait 5–7 days and follow up with one polite message. Afterward, return to working within your scope and ask the client to relay questions directly.

Once a relationship is established, healthcare providers often welcome the support of a knowledgeable fitness ally on the team, further solidifying your role and value in the client's care.

Collaboration Builds Confidence (and Careers)

When you learn to speak the language of healthcare, you build a bridge between two essential forces: medical oversight and lifestyle transformation.

By communicating, staying within your scope, and advocating for your client's safety, you elevate your credibility and become a true partner in care.

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