Regular diabetes checkups and health screenings help you understand how well your treatment plan is working and find possible complications early. These visits may include A1C testing, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, medication reviews and exams of your eyes, feet, kidneys and mouth.
How often you need diabetes checkups depends on the type of diabetes you have, your age, how long you have had diabetes, your overall health and how well your blood sugar is managed. Your health care provider can recommend a schedule based on your needs.
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, even before you notice symptoms. Regular visits allow your diabetes care team to monitor your health, adjust your treatment and look for early signs of complications.
Keeping up with recommended checkups and screenings may help lower your risk of:
You may need more frequent appointments if you were recently diagnosed, started a new medication, are having trouble reaching your blood sugar goals or have another health condition related to diabetes.
Many people with diabetes see their health care provider every three to six months. The right schedule for you will depend on your health and treatment plan.
Appointments may be more frequent when:
Follow the schedule recommended by your diabetes care team.
During a routine diabetes appointment, your provider will review your blood sugar levels, medications, overall health and any concerns you have. Not every test will be needed at every visit.
An A1C test estimates your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It helps your provider understand how well your diabetes care plan is working.
Many people have an A1C test every three to six months. You may need it more often when your treatment changes or your blood sugar is not within your target range.
Your A1C goal should be based on your age, health and risk of low blood sugar. Ask your provider what range is right for you.
Diabetes and high blood pressure can both raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and eye problems. Your blood pressure will usually be checked at each routine medical visit.
Your provider can explain your blood pressure goal and recommend treatment or lifestyle changes when needed.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Your provider may order blood tests to measure cholesterol and triglycerides. They may also review your family history, smoking status, activity level and other factors that affect heart health.
How often you need cholesterol testing depends on your age, health history, medications and previous results.
Your provider may check your weight and discuss changes in appetite, sleep, activity or other areas of your health. The goal is to understand whether your current care plan supports your overall well-being, not simply to focus on a number on the scale.
Your provider will review your diabetes medications, insulin and other prescriptions. Bring an up-to-date medication list to each appointment.
Tell your provider about:
Your provider may adjust the medication, dose or timing based on your blood sugar levels and overall health. Do not stop or change a diabetes medication without medical guidance.
Bring your glucose meter, continuous glucose monitor report or blood sugar records when possible. Your provider can look for patterns and help you understand how meals, activity, stress, illness and medications affect your levels.
This is also a good time to confirm:
If you use insulin, your provider may examine your injection sites for lumps, irritation or skin changes. They may also review how you use your insulin pen, syringe, pump or continuous glucose monitor.
Rotating injection and device sites can help protect your skin and support more consistent insulin absorption.
Your provider may ask about your eating habits, physical activity and daily routine. They can offer guidance or refer you to a registered dietitian or diabetes care and education specialist.
The goal is to find realistic habits that support blood sugar management and fit your needs, preferences and abilities.
Managing diabetes every day can be stressful. Some people feel anxious, frustrated, discouraged or tired of keeping up with their care.
Your diabetes checkup is a good time to discuss your emotional well-being. Your provider may recommend counseling, diabetes education, peer support or other resources.
In addition to routine diabetes appointments, you may need screenings to check your eyes, feet, kidneys, teeth and other parts of your body.
The timing below is general. Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your type of diabetes, age, health history and test results.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can also increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and other eye problems.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam or another approved retinal screening can find changes before they affect your vision.
How often do you need a diabetic eye exam?
Many people with diabetes need an eye exam once a year. In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend exams less often after one or more normal results. More frequent exams may be needed if eye disease is found, your blood sugar is difficult to manage or you are pregnant.
The recommended time for your first exam differs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ask your diabetes care team when you should begin screening.
Contact an eye care professional promptly if you notice sudden vision changes, flashes of light, new floaters, dark areas or vision loss.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduced blood flow in the feet. You may not feel a blister, cut or other injury, which can allow it to worsen or become infected.
During a foot exam, your provider may check:
How often do you need a diabetes foot exam?
Your feet should generally be checked during routine diabetes visits. You should also have a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year.
More frequent exams may be needed if you have nerve damage, poor circulation, foot deformities, a previous ulcer or another condition that raises your risk of foot problems.
Check your feet at home each day when possible. Contact your health care provider promptly if you notice a blister, cut, sore, redness, swelling, drainage, warmth, numbness or a change in skin color.
Diabetes can damage the kidneys over time. Early kidney disease often does not cause symptoms, so regular testing is important.
Two tests are commonly used:
How often do you need kidney screening?
Many people with diabetes need kidney testing at least once a year. When screening should begin depends partly on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
You may need more frequent testing if kidney disease is found or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or another risk factor.
Diabetes can raise the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, infections and other oral health problems. Gum disease may also make blood sugar more difficult to manage.
During a dental visit, your dentist will check your teeth, gums and mouth for signs of disease. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes and share any changes in your health or medications.
How often should you see a dentist?
Many people benefit from a dental exam and cleaning about every six months. Your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health and risk of gum disease.
Contact your dentist if you develop bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, ongoing bad breath, mouth pain or sores that do not heal.
Your diabetes care team may also recommend:
Children and teens with diabetes have different screening schedules than adults. Their pediatric diabetes team will recommend care based on their age, stage of development, type of diabetes and how long they have had the condition.
A little preparation can help you make the most of your visit. Consider bringing:
Be honest about challenges with your care plan. Your diabetes care team is there to help you find solutions that are safe and realistic.
Do not wait for your next scheduled checkup if you have:
Seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, a seizure, signs of a stroke or heart attack or a severe blood sugar emergency.
Regular diabetes checkups and screenings can find health changes before they become more serious. Keeping appointments, completing recommended tests and talking openly with your care team can help protect your long-term health.
Your screening schedule may change as your health and treatment needs change. Ask your provider which exams and tests you need now and when they should be repeated.
Banner Health provides information and support to help you manage diabetes at every stage.
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