Diabetes is a serious disease, and it’s important to take it seriously. People with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people who don’t have the disease, and they are more than twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Controlling blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
Research shows you don’t have to be a saint to make a difference to your health, either. It’s important to keep up with your doctor’s appointments and make sure you have the tests your doctor recommends.
Essential tests to monitor diabetes and detect complications:
HbA1c (a measure of your average glucose levels over the past two to three months):
- Have this test every three to six months.
- Generally, people with diabetes should aim for an HbA1c below 53mmol/mol (or 7 per cent), but discuss this with your doctor.
Blood fats (including cholesterol and triglyceride levels):
- Have this test at least yearly, or more often if you are outside the target range.
- If LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels are greater than 2mmol/L and/or triglyceride levels are greater than 1.7mmol/L following lifestyle changes, medication may be needed.
Blood pressure:
- Have this test every time you visit your doctor.
- A blood pressure reading of greater than 130/80 (or 125/75 if you have proteinuria – protein in the urine) indicates the need for medication.
Dental check-ups:
- Aim to have at least one dental check-up a year to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can worsen gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Eye examination:
- Have this test soon after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, as you may have had diabetes for some time beforehand, and within five years of diagnosis for type 1 diabetes, then every one to two years, or more frequently if problems are found.
- Speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Feet examination:
- Have this test once per year, to check for any circulation or nerve problems, which could contribute to ulcers.
- If problems are detected, regular check-ups with a podiatrist are recommended.
- It is also important to check your feet daily at home, for example after you have showered
Kidney function:
- Have this test annually.
- This is a simple urine test that looks for very small amounts of protein leaking into the urine – a sign the kidneys may not working properly, as there are treatments that can help preserve kidney function.
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