Routine Checkups

The best way to keep on track and prevent problems is to get regular checkups. You should work with a health care team that may include a physician, pharmacist, nurse, dietician, and/or mental health professional with an interest in diabetes care.

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Your routine checkups will also involve going to the dentist, eye care specialist, and possibly podiatrist. Keeping regular appointments will help you meet your diabetes management goals and prevent complications.

It is recommended that people with Type 2 diabetes have at least two regular checkups per year, and people with Type 1 diabetes have at least four checkups per year. Always bring your self-monitoring blood glucose log to your visits.

During your visit, your doctor should check your ABC's.

They are as follows:
A) A1C is a test that shows your average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. A general goal is for A1C to be less than 7%. Having an A1C as close to normal as possible will decrease your risk for complications.

B) Blood Pressure should be tested at every visit. Your target blood pressure should be less than 130/80 mmHg.

C) Cholesterol should be tested at least once yearly. Lower your LDL cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dL.

Please refer to the following chart for other important tests.

When	what test?
At diagnosis	Kidney check
	Comprehensive and dilated eye examination by an eye specialist (Type 1 patients within 5 years after onset of diabetes; Type 2 patients at diagnosis)
	Cholesterol (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
	A1C
Every 2-4 months	A1C (goal < 7.0 mg/dl) test every 6 months if previous value is normal, and every 3 months in patients whose therapy has changed or if glycemic goals are not met.
	Blood pressure check (goal less than 130/80 mmHg) at every routine visit
	Review of home blood glucose monitoring record
Every year	Foot Exam (comprehensive) visual inspection should be done at every medical appointment
	Kidney check
	Cholesterol (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) Decrease to every 2 years in patients with low-risk levels (LDL < 100 mg/dl, HDL > 50 mg/dl, and triglycerides < 150 mg/dl)
	Comprehensive and dilated eye examination by an eye specialist (every 2-3 years may be considered following 1 or more normal exams)
As needed	Exercise-stress test

Remember that you are not in this alone. Your health care team is here to help.

For more information about monitoring your blood glucose visit the Managing section

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