Your GP or diabetes specialist will coordinate your care and check that your diabetes is well managed. Have your doctor check the following:
At each visit
- Your blood pressure (every year, if normal)
- Records of your own blood glucose levels
- Your medication list
Every 3 to 6 months
- HbA1c level (this blood test gives a measure of your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months)
- Your weight/waist
Every 12 months
- Blood fat levels, including total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides
- Urine for albumin and protein, which indicate the earliest sign of kidney damage
- Feet: Take your shoes off to remind the doctor to check the circulation and feeling
- Eyes: You should have your eyes examined for retinopathy (eye disease) by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or an experienced optometrist
Know your treatment targets
- Blood pressure <130/80
- HbA1c <7%
- Total cholesterol < 4mmol/L; HDL cholesterol > 1mmol/L
- LDL cholesterol < 2.5mmol/L; Triglycerides < 1.5mmol/L
- Urine test for albumin < 20mg/L or
- Albumin: Creatinine ratio Men < 2.5mg/mmol; Women <3.5mg/mmol
The above targets are a guide and individual targets should be discussed with your doctor.
Living well with diabetes
- Know about your condition and treatment options
- See your doctor regularly
- Ask questions and work with your healthcare professionals to make a treatment plan that suits you
- Enjoy healthy eating
- Be active everyday
- Check your glucose control and take appropriate action
- Recognise how diabetes affects how you feel and ask for support