Many studies indicate that early treatment of diabetes results in the reduction of potential complications such as heart disease and stroke. Also, in people with long-standing diabetes, the best treatment and follow-up contributes to the reduction in microvascular complications (damage to small blood vessels that results in eye, kidney and nerve problems). 1

After you have received your medical recommendations and your target goals, it is important that you know what you have to follow up on and how often.

The goals of treatment for diabetes and regular follow up are to prevent or delay complications and maintain your quality of life. Below is a list of common tests, and how often you should perform them2. These tests may be performed more frequently depending on your personal circumstances. Remember, these visits also give you the opportunity to ask your healthcare provider questions and learn more about your condition.

Blood and Urine Tests Initial Visit Every follow up visit Annual Visit
 HbA1c ✔ ✔ ✔
 Lipids and Cholesterol ✔ ✔
 Liver Function ✔ ✔
 Thyroid Function ✔ ✔
 Kidney Function ✔ ✔
 Potassium levels (if on certain   medications) ✔ ✔
 Vitamin B12 (as required if on  metformin) ✔ ✔
 Urine ✔ ✔
 Blood pressure ✔ ✔ ✔
 Weight, BMI ✔ ✔ ✔
 General skin check ✔ ✔
 Foot Exam ✔ ✔
 Specialist Eye Exam ✔ ✔
 Thyroid Exam ✔ ✔
 Dentist ✔ ✔

1.” Glucose Variability: Timing, Risk Analysis, and Relationship to Hypoglycemia in Diabetes” Diabetes Care 2016;39:502–510

2. American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2019

DAR-0129 RevA 09/2019