Periodic Check-Ups for Diabetic Patients:
Diabetics patient should maintain regular check-up appointments to avoid complications over time, which include:
Diabetic Hemoglobin (A1C) Test: A blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels during the past two to three months, this test is done every three months if the last A1C levels are not in the target range, a blood test to measure diabetic hemoglobin (A1C) should be done every six months if the last A1C level is in the target range and the target reading is: less than 7% for most adults.
- Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR): Urine test to check the amount of albumin in the urine and albumin is a type of protein, its increase is a sign of kidney damage, the target reading is less than 30 mg / g of urine creatinine, this test should be done once a year:
- For type 2 diabetics.
- For type 1 diabetics 5 years after the onset of their diagnosis.
- Blood Pressure Measurement: it expresses the strength of blood flow within blood vessels, as diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, which increases the chances of heart disease and stroke, and it is measured at each patient visit to the primary care center.
The target reading is less than 140/90 mmHg if the patient has no risk of heart disease (no overweight, no smoking, no family history of injury), and less than 130/80 mmHg if the patient has an increased risk of heart disease.
- Eye Examination: To identify any eye problem before it occurs, as this examination is performed for patients with type 2 diabetes when first diagnosed then every one to two years or more in patients with type 1 diabetes within 5 years from the beginning of the diagnosis then once or twice a year.
- Kidney Function: A blood test that measures kidney function, done once a year:
- For type 2 diabetics.
- For patients with type 1 diabetes who have been diagnosed with diabetes for 5 years.
If there is a problem with kidney function, it is done twice a year.