Step 4: Get Routine Care to Avoid Problems.
See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early. Ask what steps you can take to reach your goals.
If you have diabetes, at each visit be sure you have a:
- blood pressure check
- foot check
- weight check
- review of your self-care plan shown in Step 3
If you have diabetes, two times each year get:
-
A1C test - it may be checked more often if it is over 7
If you have diabetes, once each year be sure you have a:
- cholesterol test
- triglyceride (try-GLISS-er-ide) test - a type of blood fat
- complete foot exam
- dental exam to check teeth and gums - tell your dentist you have diabetes
- dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
- flu shot
- urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems
If you have diabetes, at least once get a:
-
Pneumonia (nu-mo-nya) shot
The 
marks show actions you could take.
-
Ask your health care team about these and other tests you may need. Ask what the results mean.
-
Write down the date and time of your next visit.
-
Use the card of the back of this booklet to keep a record of your diabetes care.
-
If you have Medicare, ask your health care team if Medicare will cover some of the costs for
- learning about healthy eating and diabetes self-care
- special shoes, if you need them
- medical supplies
- diabetes medicines
Publications
Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers
(NDEP-10)
Learn more about the importance of knowing your blood sugar numbers. This publication contains information on the A1C test, self-monitoring blood glucose, and working with a health care team to set blood glucose targets and reach them. In addition to a downloadable file (PDF) of the four-page ...
Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime
(NDEP-4)
If you have diabetes, your feet need special attention. This booklet helps you care for your feet and provides tips to prevent serious foot problems.
This publication has been reviewed by NDEP for health literacy.
Take Care of Your Heart. Manage Your Diabetes (in English)
(NDEP-52EN)
This patient education sheet explains the link between diabetes and heart disease. It encourages patients to work with their health care team to set targets and manage their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It includes a record form to track target numbers.
Resources
National Diabetes Education Program: An Overview
Learn more about the National Diabetes Education Program's initiatives, goals and partnership network.
