Diabetes: Checkup Schedule
The American Diabetes Association recommends regular checkups to keep an eye on potential complications of diabetes. The following is schedule for regular health checkups and tests for those with Diabetes.
Every 3 to 6 months
Regular doctor visit - the doctor will check weight and blood pressure. Doctor visits should be more frequent if diabetes is not yet controlled.
Hemoglobin A1c test - this lab test shows the average amount of glucose that has been in the blood over the last 3 months. It is an indicator of how well the diabetes is being controlled. (This test should be done more often if diabetes is not yet controlled.
Every year
Kidney exam - this urine test looks for “microalbumin” levels, and it should begin at puberty once the person has had diabetes at least 5 years.
Eye exam – starting at age 10, all children with diabetes should have eyes checked once a year.
Foot exam - the doctor should check pulse, reflexes, calluses, infections, and sores once a year. (Adults with high-risk foot conditions should be checked more frequently.)
Every 5 years
HDL/cholesterol test - for adults this test should be done every year, and more often if being treated for high cholesterol.
