Also, see Talking to your doctor about diabetes.
One main goal of diabetes is keeping blood glucose levels near the normal range. Keeping these levels in the non-diabetic range dramatically reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes. People who achieve reasonable control over their blood sugars feel better, have more energy and are less prone to severe swings in blood sugar levels.
Good diabetes care begins at home with daily blood sugar tests (or use of a continuous monitor) that are done often enough to achieve your blood sugar goals. Daily monitoring provides the record from which changes in therapy can be made to reach a level of control that is best for your overall health. It is also the cornerstone for feeling at your best each day and preventing unwanted complications. The best record is complete: this sample log shows food choices, quantities, and blood sugar readings.
Lab Test
Certain lab tests, along with routine doctor visits, are recommended to prevent or monitor damage to blood vessels, the heart, and other organs. The table below describes the types of laboratory tests one should have performed and the frequency at which to perform them.
| Lab Test | Type | Frequency | Purpose And Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HbA1c or Fructosamine Averages the blood glucose levels for the past 2-3 weeks. |
Blood | 4 Times A Year |
Averages the blood glucose levels for the past 2-3 months. The goal is 7% or under when normal is 4-6% |
| Lipid Profile: Total Chol: <200 LDL: <100 (<20) HDL: >35 men, >45 women Triglycerides: <200 |
Blood fast for 8 hours | Yearly | The measure of fats and lipids in the blood. It provides good determination for the risk of heart disease. |
| Microalbumin | Urine | Yearly | It can detect kidney disease at an early stage. |
| Serum Creatinine | Blood | Yearly | Monitors existing kidney disease at later stages. |
| 24-hour Protein or 24-hour Creatinine Clearance |
Urine Urine & Blood |
As needed | Determines the filtering capacity of the kidney. |
Another helpful test to take is the GlycoMark Test. While A1C is an average measure of all blood glucose levels over 2-3 months, GlycoMark enables you to see just the after-meal glucose peaks within a 2-week time frame. With this smaller time frame, patients are able to seek help in changing therapy more timely, which enables them to maintain better control. The GlycoMark test can also be used in situations where the A1c test cannot be measured or is useful.
When visiting a health care professional, the following should be checked and discussed:
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Foot exam
- Blood glucose readings record
- Review of diet, exercise, and medications or insulin
Every year be sure to have the following:
- A dilated eye exam
- A detailed foot exam
- Your seasonal flu shot
In addition to routine vaccinations, adults should get a pneumovax injection every 10 years to prevent the most common type of pneumonia.
Steps After Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, explore more resources to help manage your condition:
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Learn about the Types of Diabetes.
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Understand the importance of Diabetes Care and working with healthcare professionals.
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Get tips on Blood Sugar Testing and how to monitor your glucose levels.
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Discover healthy Diet and Nutrition Plans to support diabetes management.
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Build your Healthcare Team for comprehensive support.
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Stay engaged and positive with strategies for Staying Motivated.
Learning about risk factors and diagnostic processes is essential to effectively managing diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.