Managing diabetes well includes making time for a few important exams each year. Sometimes,you may wonder why you need to have all these check ups. Each one helps you and your doctor get a better understanding of how well-controlled your diabetes is. And diabetes that stays in check may help you avoid or delay other health complications. Here’s why annual diabetes tests are important:

Many times, you may look and feel just fine. Everything seems to be going great health wise. But certaintests like an A1C and blood pressure reading tell you and your doctor what’s happening on the inside…you know,where you can’t really see or feel what’s going on.

Living well with diabetes includes all of the following tests. Ask your doctorwhich ones are right for you and when you should have themdone again.

  • A1C Tests (At least two times a year). This simple blood test showshow well you’ve controlled your blood sugar over the past three months. Usually, an A1C goal for people with diabetes is less than 7 percent.
  • Blood Pressure Check (Every office visit). High blood pressureincreases your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Aim fora blood pressure level of less than 130/80.
  • Cholesterol Check (Every year). High cholesterol raises your risk forheart disease. Control your cholesterol for better heart health. Idealcholesterol levels should be:

-Total cholesterol – below 200 mg/dL

-LDL (“bad” cholesterol) – below 100 mg/dL

-HDL (“good” cholesterol) – above 40 mg/dL for men; above 50 mg/dLfor women

-Triglycerides (tri-glis-e-rides) – below 150 mg/dL

  • Microalbumin (mi-kro-al-byoo-min) Test (Every year). This testmeasures the amount of protein in your urine. It checks to see how wellyour kidneys are working. Have your blood tested at least once a year forcreatinine (kree-AT-ih-nin) – another kidney function test. See April formore information on this test.
  • Flu Shot (Every year). Schedule an annual flu shot in October orNovember. Also, ask your doctor if a pneumonia shot is right for you.
  • Dilated Retinal Eye Exam (Every year). See your eye doctor once ayear, even if your vision seems fine.
  • Foot Exam (Every office visit). Diabetes can damage the nervesthroughout your body, especially your feet. Take off your shoes andsocks at every visit to make it easier for your doctor to check your feet.
  • Dental Exam (Two times a year). Keep your teeth and gums healthy.See your dentist twice a year. Tell him/her that you have diabetes.
  • Pregnancy. Work with your health care provider to control your diabetesbefore you become pregnant.

Sources:

American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care, Clinical Practice Recommendations 2007. Diabetes Care, 30: S4-41.

National Kidney Foundation. Diabetes and Kidney Disease. Accessed 04/25/2007