Important Tests for People with Diabetes

Blood Sugar Monitoring and Other Important Tests and Screenings

Monitoring

Without checking your blood sugar, you’re in the dark about your diabetes control. Checking your blood sugar regularly will help you see how different foods, activities, medications and other situations affect you. Once you see the connection, YOU will be in greater control of your diabetes. When it comes to your diabetes control, don’t be caught in the dark. PLEASE TEST REGULARLY!

What steps are involved in self-monitoring?

Here are eight easy steps to monitor your blood sugar:
  1. Read the instructions for using your meter and supplies. Some test strips require special handling, whereas others are “touchable” and easier to handle. Be sure you understand which kind you have and how to store them properly.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Warm hands make obtaining a blood droplet easier because your blood flows better. Dry them vigorously to increase circulation – this helps too.
  3. Get all of your supplies and then get comfortable. Sit down in a well lit location, and have your testing log and test supplies within easy reach.
  4. Load your lancing device. Use a new lancet in your lancing device each time to stick the side of your fingertip. Many lancet devices allow you to adjust the depth the lancet will pierce your finger. Set the lowest number on your lancing device to obtain enough blood to test. Insert your test strip into the meter.
  5. Swing your arm back and forth a few times to increase blood flow to your hand.
  6. Take your sample. Let your hand hang low until a small drop of blood emerges, but don’t squeeze your finger because this can interfere with your results. Bring the test strip to your finger, don’t lift your finger to the test strip. Press your fingertip firmly with a tissue to stop the blood flow.
  7. Use your meter. Follow the instructions in your manual to take a reading of your blood sugar level.
  8. Record the result in your test log, including the date and time, plus any special notes you want to remember. Be sure to take your test log the next time you visit your doctor.

Important Health Tests and Screenings

Testing your blood sugar regularly is important. But that doesn’t give your doctor all of the information he or she needs to develop your plan of care. That’s because diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar. It can affect your nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys too.

Because you have diabetes your doctor will recommend all of the screenings listed below. Just like water running through a stream, your blood flows through your arteries, capillaries and blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to organs in your body. Every part of your body needs a fresh supply of blood to stay healthy. But, if your blood vessels and organs use blood with high blood sugar levels, they can become damaged. Over time, this can lead to serious life-threatening complications. These tests can help detect problems early, before they turn into more serious medical issues. With early detection and treatment, you may be able to reduce your risk for having a stroke or heart attack, vision problems, skin ulcers, amputation and kidney disease. At your next appointment, bring the following list of health screenings. Talk to your doctor about each of these to find out if you need them. Remember, this is not a complete list of tests that people with diabetes need. These are just a few of the most common tests that your doctor can use to develop your plan of care.


Heart

A1c: An A1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months.
Blood Pressure: A blood pressure measurement is taken by placing a cuff around your upper arm. The cuff is inflated to temporarily restrict blood flow, and then the cuff is deflated. This test measures the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder which can cause a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease.
Cholesterol: A cholesterol test measures the amount of blood fats in your blood.

Eyes

Dilated Eye Exam: A dilated eye exam is a test done by an eye care specialist in which the pupil (the black center) of the eye is temporarily enlarged with eye drops to allow the doctor to see inside the eye. Your doctor will check for signs of diabetic eye disease. The retina, optic nerve and blood vessels at the back of the eye are inspected using a bright light. Your eye will be checked for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. No portion of the exam is painful; however the dilating drops may blur your vision or make your eyes sensitive to light so you should plan to wear sunglasses for several hours after the exam.

Feet

Complete Foot Exam: A complete foot exam is a group of tests done at least once a year by your primary care doctor or foot specialist. The doctor will ask you some questions and then look at your feet and check for any foot abnormalities. The exam does not hurt. The foot exam tests: your risk of developing ulcers, your risk of needing surgery to remove your toes, feet, or leg (amputation), and the health of your nerves and blood circulation in your legs and feet.

Kidney Function

Microalbumin Test: A microalbumin test checks your urine for a certain kind of protein called albumin. Normal, healthy kidneys prevent albumin from leaking into your urine. If albumin is found in your urine, it may suggest that your kidneys are damaged and not working properly.

Teeth and Gums

Dental Exam and Cleaning: Your dentist will examine your mouth for sores or signs of oral cancer. He or she will also check your teeth for signs of decay, the spacing between your teeth and look for loose or chipped teeth. During the examination your gums that surround your teeth will also be inspected for signs of inflammation or infection such as gingivitis or periodontitis. After the examination a dental hygienist usually cleans and polishes your teeth to prevent disease and keep your teeth healthy and looking their best.