Regular Tests and Exams for Type 2 Diabetes

In addition to checking your blood sugar at home, you'll need to get an A1C lab test every 3 to 6 months (depending on how controlled your diabetes is).

A1C tells us your average blood sugar over a 3-month period.

For most people, the A1C goal is less than 7%.  But it may be different if you:

• Are pregnant (goal is under 6%).
• Are older (goal is under 8%).
• Have certain other medical conditions.

You'll also need regular blood and urine tests to check for early signs of diabetes complications.

This includes tests for:

• Cholesterol
• Kidney function
• Urine test for protein

If you have abnormal results, we may change your medications or start you on something new.

Dilated eye exam for diabetes

• Get one at least once a year (possibly more if you have an abnormal test).
• Make sure you ask your eye doctor for this exam specifically (it's different from a vision check).
• It looks for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness.
• Let us know right away if you notice any changes in your vision.

In-person foot exam

• This should be done by a primary care provider (PCP), endocrinologist (diabetes doctor), or podiatrist (foot doctor) at least once a year.
• They'll check for wounds, calluses, circulation, and nerve damage (all common complications from diabetes).
• When you have diabetes, wounds don't heal as well and can cause bone infections or amputations if not treated quickly.  Keep an eye out for calluses.
• Let us or a medical provider know right away if you notice sores, drainage, redness, burning, or pain in your feet.

You should also wear well-fitting shoes both indoors and outdoors and check your feet and toes every day.  Read how here.

Stay up to date with your vaccines.  Having diabetes increases your chances of getting seriously ill when you get sick.

Get your flu shot every year.

Let us know if you haven't been vaccinated for:

• Hepatitis B
• Pneumonia
• COVID-19

We can let you know how and when to get these vaccines.

Having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, and other complications.

Check your blood pressure at least every 3 months (more if you have high blood pressure).

• For most people, the goal is less than 120/80.  Some adults with diabetes will have a goal of less than 140/90.
• If your blood pressure is too high, we'll start you on medication or adjust your current prescription.