Standard Diabetes Tests
As part of your rights as a patient with diabetes, you should know what kinds of tests and what types of care your healthcare team should provide to you. This type of care, which is based on doing certain lab tests and exams at periodic times, is often referred to as "Standards of Care." Standards of care encourage all healthcare providers to treat a specific disease the same way based on evidence, no matter who you are or where they are providing the care. This ensures that everyone with diabetes is treated equally and well.
What To Do And How Often
In the course of a year, you and your healthcare team need to complete the activities listed below. These activities are based on standards of care developed by the American Diabetes Association. They will help you manage your diabetes and remain as healthy as possible.
Daily Tests
• make healthy food decisions
• take medications, if prescribed, for diabetes control and blood pressure
• take baby aspirin and Vitamin E (Check with your doctor first)
• get some regular exercise or activity
• check eyes, feet, skin for changes
• brush teeth 2x/day
• avoid smoking
Quarterly Diabetes Tests
• HbA1c test (or every 6 months if previous value is normal)
• blood pressure check
• foot exam with sensation check
• review of self-monitoring of blood sugar records
• review diabetes self-care skills
Semi-annual (every 6 months) Diabetes Tests
• HbA1c (unnecessary if previous quarterly value is normal)
• blood pressure check
• foot exam with sensation check
• review of self-monitoring of blood glucose records
Annual Tests
• lipid profile (every two years if normal)
• dilated eye exam
• foot exam with risk assessment
• immunizations, including flu shot
• routine EKG
• ongoing self-care education
• counsel on pregnancy planning, if needed