Staying healthy with diabetes
To be your healthiest and successfully manage your diabetes, it’s important to see your medical team at least twice a year. Here’s what else you need to do, the tests you need to have — and when to have them done.
Daily
- Check your blood sugar at least once a day unless your doctor instructs you to check more frequently.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get and stay active
- Check your feet — look for reddened areas, cuts, sores, dry skin, or ingrown toenails.
At Each Doctor’s Visit
- Blood pressure check
- Weight check
- Review of your self-care plan
- Blood sugar log review
Twice A Year
- A1c test — If it’s over 7% or you’ve had a medication adjustment, your doctor may check your A1c more often, such as every three months
- Dental exam to check the health of your teeth and gums
Once A Year
- Cholesterol and triglyceride blood test
- Complete foot exam
- Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
- Flu shot
- Urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems
Twice In Your Lifetime
- Pneumonia shot — One dose between the ages of 19-64 and then another dose at 65 years of age and older
Once In Your Lifetime
- Hepatitis B shot
- Zoster vaccine (50 years of age and older)
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.