via the National Diabetes Education Program
Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy.
See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.
At each visit, be sure you have a:
- blood pressure check
- foot check
- weight check
- review of your self-care plan
Two times each year, have an:
- A1C test. It may be checked more often if it is over 7.
Once each year, be sure you have a:
- cholesterol test
- triglyceride test – a type of blood fat
- complete foot exam
- dental exam to check teeth and gums
- dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
- flu shot
- urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems
At least once in your lifetime, get a:
- pneumonia shot
- hepatitis B shot
Medicare and diabetes.
If you have Medicare, check to see how your plan covers diabetes care. Medicare covers some of the costs for:
- diabetes education
- diabetes supplies
- diabetes medicine
- visits with a dietitian
- special shoes, if you need them
Actions you can take
- Ask your health care team about these and other tests you may need. Ask what your results mean.
- Write down the date and time of your next visit.
- Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your diabetes care.
- If you have Medicare, check your plan.
See our Resource List for help with managing diabetes and living a full life.