D Dealing with iabetes
Making a list — checking it twice
Dr. Ellen Andrews

Some people are always busy with something. Canning may be over, but cool weather crops are coming up and Christmas is coming. It’s also a time to take stock if you have diabetes. What still needs doing if you haven’t done it yet this year?

• An exam by an eye doctor who dilates your eyes with drops and checks for any signs of diabetic eye disease. If you already have diabetic eye disease, you should be checked every six months or more.

• A special urine test for any sign that your kidneys are leaking protein.

• A blood test for cholesterol, to check your LDL (bad cholesterol).

• An A1C blood test, every 3-6 months, to track your average glucose.

• A dental exam every six months.

• A detailed examination of your feet by a doctor for signs of neuropathy or poor circulation.

• A flu shot and possibly a pneumonia shot, depending on your age.

• An update with a diabetic educator once a year.

• On every doctor’s visit you should have your blood pressure checked and your bare feet examined.

This next list includes things which truly measure your understanding of diabetes, and your commitment to beating it.

• Do I have really understand carbohydrate counting or do I need to learn more?

• Do I know the amount of carbs I should have at each meal and am I counting?

• Am I getting in my 30 minutes of walking or other physical exercise daily?

• Am I checking my glucose often enough, and at various times including after meals? Am I in good control? If I get a high reading, do I work to bring it down right away?

• Am I communicating well with my doctor? Do I know my A1C, LDL, and Blood Pressure?

• Am I on the right medicines for the stage of my illness? If my current treatment isn’t controlling my diabetes, what is the plan?

• Am I watching my salt and fat intake, too? Despite my best efforts, are my blood pressure and LDL still too high? Do I need other medicines for these?

• Am I checking my blood pressure at home and is it under 130/80?

• Am I trying to learn what’s new about diabetes, taking advantage of educational opportunities locally and on the internet?

Diabetes treatment works best when you keep current on your tests, communicate well with your doctor, take the right meds, and have the habit of counting carbs and exercising daily. If you see areas here where you can make improvements, now’s a good time.

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