Remember Your
Yearly Check Ups
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 certain tests 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 doctor which ones are right
for you and when you should have them done again.

A1C Tests (At least two times a year). This simple blood test shows how 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 pressure increases your risk for
heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Aim for a blood pressure level of less than
130/80.

Cholesterol Check (Every year). High cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease.
Control your cholesterol for better heart health. Ideal cholesterol 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/dL for women
Triglycerides (tri-glis-e-rides) – below 150 mg/dL

Microalbumin (mi-kro-al-byoo-min) Test (Every year). This test measures the amount of
protein in your urine. It checks to see how well your kidneys are working. Have your blood
tested at least once a year for creatinine (kree-AT-ih-nin) – another kidney function test. See
April for more information on this test.

Flu Shot (Every year). Schedule an annual flu shot in October or November. Also, ask
your doctor if a pneumonia shot is right for you.

Dilated Retinal Eye Exam (Every year). See your eye doctor once a year, even if your
vision seems fine.

Foot Exam (Every office visit). Diabetes can damage the nerves throughout your body,
especially your feet. Take off your shoes and socks 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 diabetes before 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. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=22 Accessed 04/25/2007
This information is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your
physician for advice about changes that may affect your health.