Guidelines for diabetes care

You are the most important member of your health care team. Discuss the exam, test and immunization schedules that follow with your health care provider. This will help him or her find diseases/problems in the early stages when they are more treatable.

Exams

Tests

Type of test	How often	Target range
Hemoglobin A1C (A1c) blood test	You should have this test at least twice a year, more often if A1c goals are not met.	Less than 7 percent
Total cholesterol	Every year	Under 200
LDL"bad" cholesterol	Every year	Under 100
HDL "good" cholesterol	Every year	Men: 40 or higher Women: 50 or higher
Triglycerides	Every year	Under 150
Urinalysis	Every year
Microalbuminuria (kidney)	Every year	Under 30 mcg/mL
Blood pressure	Every visit	Under 130/80

Immunizations

Information about exams, tests and immunizations

• Retinal eye exam: A complete eye exam includes dilation of the retina to check for disease (retinopathy) or change. This may prevent blindness.
• Foot exam: A complete exam of your feet includes testing for feeling, color and pulse. One of the tools used is called a monofilament.
• Diabetes education: Learn about individual or group classes.
• Diabetes education with a dietitian: a dietitian can discuss healthy food choices and help customize a calorie and carbohydrate count that fits well with your schedule and lifestyle.
• Hemoglobin A1c: This lab test reflects your average blood glucose* level over the past 3 months.
• Cholesterol: This blood test measures lipids (fats) that circulate and may clog arteries. High cholesterol may lead to heart damage. Medication can prevent or reverse possible damage and lower your risk.
• Microalbumin: This test finds small amounts of protein in urine. An increase of the amount of protein in urine is an indication of kidney failure in people who have diabetes.
• Blood pressure check: Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, leg diseases, kidney failure and eye diseases. An ideal blood pressure is 130/80 or lower.
• Flu shot: Flu vaccine will prevent or lessen flu symptoms November through February.
• Pneumonia shot: Pneumonia vaccine will prevent pneumococcal pneumonia in adults older than age 65 and those who have high-risk conditions (such as diabetes or asthma).