How Often Should Diabetics See Their Doctor?

Learn more about annual diabetic blood tests and regular check ups for diabetes health maintenance

Are you wondering how often should diabetics see their doctor? To effectively manage your diabetes you will want to know how often you should receive diabetes check ups, and how to prepare for your visits. It is recommended that you should visit your doctor every three months. Regular visits will provide your doctor with the information he needs to effectively assess your condition and determine if any new complications have developed. Your doctor may order tests during your visit and you should ask him what the tests are for and to explain the results of your tests.

There are specific guidelines and protocols that your doctor will use when treating you for diabetes. When you are in the examining room you should remove your shoes and socks so that the doctor can adequately check your feet. Some of the many things you can expect during your diabetes check ups are as follows:

Check your weight and take your blood pressure.
Discuss your self-monitoring blood sugar levels with you.
Discuss your medications.
Give a careful inspection of your legs, feet and between the toes, and address any problems.
Check for diabetic complications such as numbness or nerve damage.
Discuss your lifestyle, eating habits, exercise routine etc. and determine if there have been changes made.
Follow up on issues from previous visits.
Answer your questions and advise you about self-care.
Discuss alcohol, drugs or tobacco use.
Determine your psychological state and if you are experiencing stress, depression or any other mental problems.
Discuss any previous lab work or test results.
Check insulin infusion or injection sites.

It is important that you discuss any concerns that you may have during your diabetes check ups. Many diabetics keep a daily log of their blood glucose levels and other information. If something seems to be off in your daily blood tests it is a signal for you to discuss it with your doctor. Be open and honest about your life so that you don’t put up any barriers that will prevent your doctor from effectively treating you. If you are experiencing any new symptoms or problems you should discuss them with your doctor also. “How often should diabetics see their doctor” will pretty much depend on how your diabetes is progressing, and if there are any new developments.

You can expect to receive annual diabetic blood tests, such as the Hemoglobin A1c test which assesses your blood glucose levels. Beside your annual diabetic blood tests, you should also receive a kidney function urine test at least once a year to determine the amount of protein in your urine. Annual blood tests will also be given to test creatine levels, triglycerides and cholesterol. Your eyes should be tested for diabetes retinopathy as a part of your annual check up. Retinal screening involves taking pictures of your retina to assess if there are any problems. You will be given specific tests before your annual review takes place, so that all important information is available to your doctor at the time of your visit. Some tests may require you to fast for a limited amount of time before taking the test, so ask your physician or nurse if this is necessary.

You should bring your daily log information with you to your diabetes check ups and also a pad to take notes. Make sure that your feet are clean so that your doctor can make a correct assessment. Your doctor will check your feet for reflexes, pulse, neuropathy, sores, calluses or infections. If you have foot ulcers or other problems your doctor may increase your visits.

“How often should diabetics see their doctor” will depend on how you are faring with your diabetes and your over-all health. To learn more about diabetes self-care tips and what to expect after being diagnosed, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com