07/16/2018
Your Diabetes- Tests, Exams, and checkups
As a rule of thumb, people who are actively taking control of their diabetes care by adopting an active lifestyle, eating healthy food, being aware of their overall health status and up-to-date with their diabetes illness and test results OFTEN have good control of their blood sugar levels. However, obtaining regular health checkups and tests are needed. So, for your diabetes care, you may see your primary care provider or specialists 2 to 4 times a year.
Here is a list of some of the regular exams and tests recommended for people with diabetes:
1) Among things that will help keep you healthy is keeping Regular Exams.
• Foot exams. Make sure your health provider checks and examine your feet at every office visit. It is well known that diabetes affects your nerve and blood vessels sooner than other parts of your body.
• Dental exam. Make certain you see your dentist as often as recommended by your doctor. As periodontal disease (also known as Gum disease) is most common among people with diabetes.
• Eye exam. A specialized eye doctor who takes care of people with diabetes should check your eyes’ health regularly. An eye doctor or ophthalmologist may give you a dilated exam at least once a year. If you have any eye pain or pressure, severe eye pain, seeing floating spider webs, hazy/blurred/or double vision, see dark spots, or see poorly in dim light, seek healthcare advice right the way.
2) Tests and immunization.
• Complete physical exam at least yearly or as often as recommended by your doctor.
• Pneumonia vaccine. Consult your doctor about which pneumonia vaccines are right for you.
• Flu vaccine. Once per year.
• A1C ((also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin)- at your initial visit, every 3months, then every 3 to 6 months if controlled. A1C shows how well you are controlling your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels over 3 months period. Normal levels < 5.7%. ask your doctor/P*P what your target should be. A1c cannot capture critical information such as time spent in a target range (70-180 mg/dl) and hypoglycemia (less than 70 mg/dl).
• Blood pressure at every doctor’s visit.
• Cholesterol and blood lipids tests at least once a year.
• Kidney function tests yearly.
• Other tests or vaccines as advised by your P*P (primary care provider).
• Hepatitis B vaccines. As soon as possible if you are under 60 years old, or as advised by your P*P if you are over 60.
• Shingles vaccine after age 60, as advised by your doctor, even if you have already had shingles.
• Stop smoking, your doctor may prescribe medications used to treat ni****ne addiction. Also seek support groups in your area.
• Nutritionist, dietitian therapy, at least once or as needed.
Important: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
www.bloodsugarcheck.com
Reference:
www.Medlineplus.gov
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