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The following chart lists the medical tests and exams that should be part of your regular office visits. Use this checklist as a tool to talk with your doctor and to make sure you get the care for your diabetes that the experts recommend.
Medical Test / |
Why | What Result Should Be |
How Often Test is Typically Needed |
A1c |
To see how well your diabetes treatment plan is working, as it measures the average of all blood sugars over 2-3 months |
Below 7 |
Every 3-6 months |
Blood Pressure | Checks if medicine is needed to control blood pressure and reduce risks of high blood pressure to the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves | Less than 130/80mmHg | Every doctor visit |
Cholesterol Control (LDL-Bad Cholesterol) |
Checks if medicine is needed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke | LDL less than 100 mg/dL | Once a year |
Kidney Function Testing Urine test (microalbumin/creat ratio) Blood test (serum creatine, to check GFR) |
Checks if medicine is needed to prevent kidney damage or kidney failure that, untreated, could lead to dialysis (treatment to replace kidney function | - Urine microalb/creat less than 30 mcg/mg creat - GFR of 60 or greater |
Once a year |
Referral to Certified Diabetes Educator | Working with a diabetes educator can help you better understand and manage your diabetes | Complete diabetes self-management and training course |
At least once |
Referral for a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam |
Checks if there is diabetes-related damage to the eyes | Normal eye exam with no evidence of diabetic retinopathy |
Once a year |
Foot Exam | Identifies high-risk foot conditions and checks if loss of feeling exists in the feet that may lead to injury or infection | Normal protective sensation or feeling | Yearly, or at every doctor visit if high risk |
Smoking Status and Stop Smoking Advice | Because smoking increases the rate at which complications from diabetes occur | Stop smoking | Review at every doctor visit |
the full Diabetes Pathway to Health as a PDF
The Maine Pathway to Health is produced and supported by Chronic Disease Partners of Maine and Maine Aligning Forces for Quality, an initiative of Quality Counts, the Maine Health Management Coalition, and the Maine Quality Forum. This effort is made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and by generous contributions from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and MaineHealth.