When managing diabetes, being proactive with your health can make a world of difference. Along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping an eye on your blood sugar, regular medical checkups are a critical part of diabetes care. These appointments aren’t just about ticking boxes on a list; they’re about staying a step ahead of potential complications and keeping your body in its best shape.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, here’s a rundown of the medical exams every diabetic patient should schedule annually. Think of these as your essential tune-ups to help your body run smoothly and avoid any unnecessary surprises.

1. A1C Test

What It Is:

The A1C test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. While daily finger sticks give you a snapshot of your blood sugar levels, the A1C test gives you the bigger picture, showing how well your diabetes management plan is working.

How Often:

Most healthcare providers recommend getting the test two to four times per year, depending on how stable your blood sugar levels have been. If your results are consistently within your target range, twice a year may be enough.

Why It’s Important:

The A1C test helps track your overall glucose control, giving you and your doctor valuable insights to prevent long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems. For most people with diabetes, an A1C level under 7% is the goal, but this can vary based on individual health needs.

Pro Tip:

Write down your A1C results every time you take the test and compare them over time. It’s a great way to celebrate progress or identify areas for improvement.

2. Dilated Eye Exam

What It Is:

A dilated eye exam is a deep look at your vision and the health of your eyes, where your doctor uses special eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupils. This allows them to see the back of your eyes and check for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts.

How Often:

Once a year is the standard recommendation, although your doctor might suggest more frequent exams if you have existing eye issues.

Why It’s Important:

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness over time. An eye exam can catch changes early, helping you take action before they become serious.

Pro Tip:

If you notice blurry vision, trouble focusing, or floaters in between your yearly exams, don’t wait until your next appointment. These could be signs of diabetic eye complications.

3. Annual Foot Exam

What It Is:

Diabetes affects circulation and nerves, particularly in your feet. During a foot exam, your doctor will check for open sores, cuts, infections, or any signs of nerve damage (neuropathy). They’ll also test for sensation to make sure your nerves are functioning properly.

How Often:

Schedule a foot exam with your doctor at least once a year. If you’ve had foot issues in the past, you may need more frequent checkups.

Why It’s Important:

Foot problems in diabetics can become serious very quickly, even leading to infections or amputations. Regular foot exams help catch problems early so they can be treated before they escalate.

Pro Tip:

Inspect your feet daily at home. Look for redness, swelling, cuts, or any changes to your skin or nails. If something doesn’t look right, bring it up with your doctor immediately.

4. Kidney Function Tests

What It Is:

Your kidneys work hard to filter out waste from your blood. Diabetes can strain these organs, making it essential to check how well they’re functioning. Two common tests assess your kidney health:

Urine test: Checks for albumin, a type of protein that may appear in your urine as an early sign of kidney damage.

Blood test: Measures your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to see how well your kidneys are filtering.

How Often:

A yearly kidney screening is usually sufficient for most people with diabetes. However, if you have abnormal results or other risk factors, your doctor may want to monitor your kidneys more frequently.

Why It’s Important:

Kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes. Catching issues early allows you to make changes or start treatments that can slow or even prevent further damage.

Pro Tip:

Stay hydrated and aim to manage your blood sugar and blood pressure, as both are crucial for kidney health.

5. Cholesterol Check

What It Is:

Cholesterol tests measure your levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. High cholesterol can clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease, which is already elevated in people with diabetes.

How Often:

Aim to check your cholesterol annually, especially if your levels have been high in the past.

Why It’s Important:

Good cholesterol management is vital for protecting your heart and blood vessels. Keeping your levels in the target range reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Pro Tip:

Pair your cholesterol check with your next regular blood draw to simplify your schedule.

6. Blood Pressure Monitoring

What It Is:

High blood pressure, or hypertension, often goes hand in hand with diabetes. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure during your regular visits to ensure it’s in a healthy range.

How Often:

Whenever you visit a doctor. At-home monitoring is also a smart idea, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension.

Why It’s Important:

Keeping your blood pressure in check (ideally below 130/80 mm Hg) helps protect your heart, kidneys, and brain. High blood pressure paired with diabetes can fast-track complications.

Pro Tip:

Invest in a home blood pressure monitor. It’ll give you peace of mind and valuable data to share with your healthcare provider.

7. Dental Exam

What It Is:

Your dental health can take a hit when you’re managing diabetes. A dental exam checks for gum disease, cavities, and other oral health concerns, which are more common in diabetics.

How Often:

Twice a year, just like everyone else—but make sure to mention to your dentist that you have diabetes.

Why It’s Important:

Gum disease, particularly if left unchecked, can worsen blood sugar control. Conversely, managing your gums can help improve your diabetes management.

Pro Tip:

Brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash daily to stay ahead of gum problems.

Juggling these appointments may feel like a lot, but they’re investments in your well-being. Regular screenings give you and your care team the power to make informed decisions, adjust your treatment as needed, and catch potential complications early.