Regular visits with your diabetes care team are very important to managing your diabetes.
It is common to see your diabetes care provider every 3-4 months after you are initially diagnosed. If you are meeting all your goals and are confident at self-managing your diabetes, your visits may stretch to every six months.
At your first few visits, you and your diabetes care provider will make a plan for managing your diabetes. Topics typically covered include goals for your
- blood glucose (sugar)
- weight
- blood pressure
- medication use
- physical activity
- blood cholesterol and other blood fat tests
- kidney and liver function tests
Diabetes experts advise that certain tests are done on a regular basis to assist with diabetes care decision making.
Every three months:
- Hemoglobin A1-c - often referred to as just "A1-C" - can be less often if the blood glucose is well controlled
- Blood pressure check
- Weight check
- Foot exam
Every six months:
Every year:
- Comprehensive foot exam
- Blood cholesterol and other blood fats (lipids)
- Kidney tests
- Liver function tests
- Dilated Eye Exam
- Flu Shot
During follow-up visits, adjustments in your diabetes care plan will be discussed to help you achieve your optimal diabetes control and health.
