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Routine Tests for Diabetes

Diabetics should undergo routine tests for various conditions and illnesses. Even diabetics whose diabetes is well-controlled can develop nerve and blood vessel damage. Diabetics are also more susceptible to heart, kidney, eye and foot problems. Close monitoring and routine testing will help you and your doctor spot any potential problems quickly so that you receive a prompt and appropriate treatment.

  1. Eye Examinations

    • According to WebMD, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States. Diabetes can cause damage to the retina in the back of the eye. See your eye doctor at least once a year for a dilated eye exam to check for any signs of damage or problems with the retinas. If your eye doctor does find damage to the retinas, treatments like laser surgery to seal leaking blood vessels can help prevent vision loss when detected early.

    Foot Examinations

    • Diabetes causes damage to the nerves, resulting in neuropathy. One of the first signs of neuropathy is numbness and loss of sensation in the feet. Nerve damage can also cause decreased circulation, making it harder for the body to fight infections. This could result in amputation in serious cases. Have your primary doctor examine your feet carefully at every visit. Perform self-evaluations on your feet by touching and pressing in different areas to ensure you have feeling in all areas, and check your feet for sores and injuries that could become infected. Check the tops and bottoms of your feet, as well as between your toes and notify your doctor of any potential problems.

    Urine Tests

    • According to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, diabetes is the leading cause of permanent kidney failure in the United States. Diabetics should have a specific urine test called a microalbumin urine test at least once a year to check for kidney damage and signs of potential kidney failure.

    Cholesterol Tests

    • Yearly cholesterol tests can help diabetics reduce their risks for heart disease and stroke. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should be 100 or less for an average adult diabetic, according to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Detecting high levels of LDL cholesterol early can make it easier for you and your doctor to come up with a diet and medication plan to get your cholesterol levels within a normal healthy range.

    Hemoglobin A1c

    • Diabetics should have regular blood sugar tests called hemoglobin A1c tests. This test measures your average blood sugar levels over a three-month period. Most diabetics need a hemoglobin A1c test every three to six months. The test measures how much glucose is sticking to the hemoglobin in your blood. The more glucose in the blood, the more glucose will stick to the hemoglobin. According to WebMD, normal hemoglobin A1c readings are 5 percent or less. Hemoglobin A1c values above 7 percent signify poorly controlled diabetes.

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