Regular Type 1 Diabetes Health Check ups
Source NDSS Australia
Diabetes health checks
Keep your diabetes care on track. An annual cycle of care includes health checks of your:
blood glucose levels
blood pressure
feet
eyes
kidneys
These health checks review your diabetes management and general health. They also serve as a reminder for when any tests are due, such as eye or kidney function checks. Regular checks help to prevent serious diabetes-related complications—like problems with your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart.
Your doctor will do this review. It is important to identify any health concerns early and discuss the best treatment with your doctor or diabetes health professionals.
Read more in our fact sheet Your diabetes annual cycle of care. Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series.
Related information
Feet
Check your feet every day. Have difficulty reaching your feet? Use a mirror or ask a family member or carer to help. Don’t know what to look for? Ask your health professional to show you how to check your feet
Once a year, have a foot check with a podiatrist, doctor or diabetes educator. They will examine your feet for any current problems and help you avoid future foot problems.
Read more about looking after your feet.
Eyes
If eye problems are left untreated, it can affect your vision and lead to blindness. The earlier that problems are detected and treated, the better the result.
Have regular eyes checks with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to look for early signs of damage.
Read more about looking after your eyes.
Kidneys
If your blood pressure and blood glucose levels remain high over time, the risk of damage to your kidneys (diabetic nephropathy) can increase. Every 12 months, your doctor or endocrinologist will arrange a urine test to check for small amounts of protein in your urine (called microalbumin). A blood test to assess your kidney function is also recommended.
Read more about kidney health or looking after your bladder and kidneys.
Blood glucose levels
One of the aims of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within a specified target range. Blood glucose monitoring can help you understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise and insulin.
When and how often you should test your blood glucose levels varies depending on each individual, the type of diabetes and the tablets and/or insulin being used. Blood glucose levels are measured in millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/L).
Read more about blood glucose levels and monitoring.
HbA1c
This blood test reflects your average blood glucose level over the last 10 to 12 weeks.
Read more about blood glucose monitoring or HbA1c.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. High blood pressure can result in increased risks of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are often found together. This is because diabetes causes certain chemical changes in the body that increase the risk of blood pressure.
Read more about blood pressure or high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
Dental health
Looking after your dental health is important, especially when you have diabetes. Caring for your teeth and gums and managing your blood glucose levels can help reduce your risk of dental problems.
Read more in our fact sheet Looking after your dental health.