Reference this article for diabetes management guidelines.
Based on guidelines and recommendations by the American Diabetes Association (ADA)
Self-Management
- Weight Control and Proper Diet: Review with your doctor at every visit.
- Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG): Check your blood glucose at least once every day or as your doctor suggests. Ideal if fasting is less than 100.
- Physical Activity: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
- Control Blood Pressure: Goal is less than 120/ 80.
- Smoking: Increases the risk of diabetic complications. Stop smoking.
- Daily Foot Exam: Early detection of open or reddened areas is important.
Laboratory Tests
- Hemoglobin A1C (Hb A1C): Should be done 2 times per year, more often if not meeting goals. Shows glucose control over the past three months. An A1c score of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates pre-diabetes, and an A1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates the presence of diabetes.
- Lipid profile: Should be done yearly. May be drawn more often if levels are elevated. Target goal for cholesterol: less than 200; HDL: (“good cholesterol”) greater than 50; LDL: (“bad” cholesterol) less than 100; Triglycerides: less than 150.
- Urine Protein: Perform an annual test for the presence of microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetes duration of 5 years and in all type 2 diabetic patients, starting at diagnosis and during pregnancy.
- Serum Creatinine should be measured at least annually for all adults with diabetes.
- Keep a personal record of these tests results in addition to the records kept in your doctor’s office.
Office Visits
- Office Visits: Begin Diabetes screenings at age 45 or sooner if you have a family history. If you are diagnosed, see your Health Care Provider at least every six months.
- Blood Pressure: Check at every office visit. Keep your own record. Ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure between visits.
- Comprehensive Foot Exam: Done by your Health Care Provider at least yearly, more often if needed.
- Eye Exam: At diagnosis and yearly thereafter. A dilated funduscopic exam can detect early vision problems.
- Weight: Check at every visit. Ask for help with diet plan and weight control.
- Aspirin Therapy: Ask if a daily aspirin is appropriate.
- Annual Flu shot: Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.
- Pneumonia vaccine: Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.