5. Do you have diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that every person who has diabetes sees their physician at least two times a year for a diabetes focused visit.
If you are a person with type 1 diabetes, see your practitioner every three months.
If you are a person with type 2 diabetes, you may need to see your practitioner every three months to six months depending on how well your diabetes is controlled.
At each visit, your practitioner will:
- review your diabetes management plan
- review physical activity
- measure height, weight and BMI
- review blood sugar control (including log of daily levels and hemoglobin A1C values) and goals
- inspect your feet
- review smoking cessation if applicable.
Every six months be sure to:
- See your dentist
Every year you should have:
- Blood test for hemoglobin A1C and lipid panel
- Urine test for kidney function
- Dilated eye exam
- Foot inspection with filament exam for loss of sensation
- Immunization for influenza
- Ask your doctor if you need to see a dietician or diabetes educator
Other considerations:
- Immunization for pneumonia
- Renew self management training every year
- Renew diet information training every year
- If you are considering a pregnancy, talk to your physician before you become pregnant.
For additional information:
- Discuss with your physician.
- Contact Affinity NurseDirect at 1-800-362-9900 toll-free, (920) 738-2230 in the Fox Cities, or (920) 231-6578 in Oshkosh.
From your Internet connection:
www.affinityhealth.org
then click on Health Resources
then click on Affinity's 22 Tips for Better Health
Or access the following links:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html
Adapted from: American Diabetes Association (ADA) and 2004 Wisconsin diabetes guideline
Reviewed: 1/07
Reviewer: rfc
