What routine medical examinations and tests are needed for people with diabetes?

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Your doctor should:

  • Measure your blood pressure at every visit.
  • Check your feet for sores at every visit, and give a thorough foot exam at least once a year.
  • Give you a hemoglobin A1C test at least twice a year to determine what your average blood glucose level was for the past 2 to 3 months.
  • Test your urine and blood to check your kidney function at least once a year.
  • Test your blood lipids (fats)—total cholesterol; LDL, or low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol); HDL, or high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol); and triglycerides at least once a year.
  • You should also get a dental checkup twice a year, a dilated eye exam once a year, an annual flu shot, and a pneumonia shot.