If you have type 2 diabetes, a variety of problems can arise. An essential part of managing the disease is getting routine tests and checkups, spot problems early to help prevent complications. The following eight diabetic exams and tests will help you get the health care you need:
1. Cholesterol Tests
Living with diabetes puts you at an increased risk of developing heart disease, which is why routine cholesterol testing is recommended. This test checks the cholesterol levels in your blood produced by your liver. High levels can lead to plaque buildup in your artery walls, so a cholesterol test can spot potential problems before they become a severe health risk.
2. Blood Pressure Tests
A blood pressure test will help keep your heart healthy. High blood pressure can strain your heart and cause other health problems. Getting a blood pressure test regularly can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
3. Eye Exams
Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. As a result, diabetic patients are at high risk of damaging their eyes, leading to dangerous complications. Regular visits to an eye doctor can help detect problems early and provide patients with the help they need.
4. A1C Test
Your A1C test, also known as a hemoglobin A1C assay, checks your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. The test results show whether you have a healthy amount of sugar in your blood. High levels can lead to complications, such as heart disease and kidney disease, so make sure to get this test every three months.
5. Foot Exam
Your feet are at high risk for problems, as they are often exposed to injury and pressure that can damage blood vessels. Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in your feet and make them more prone to ulcers and infections. Regular foot exams can identify problems early and help patients to prevent serious complications.
6. Kidney Function Test
Your kidneys are vital organs that filter your blood to eliminate waste. Diabetes can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney disease, so getting a test that checks for kidney function is essential. The urine test for creatinine clearance can identify whether your kidneys are damaged or if you have a reduced kidney function.
7. Oral Exam
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, making it a prime location for problems with diabetes. In fact, the mouth is one of the main targets of diabetes problems. Regular visits to your dentist can help keep your mouth healthy and catch any issues before they become a significant issues. Regular exams can help detect diabetes problems before they get out of hand.
8. Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, checks for heart problems and spots diabetes damage. When you have diabetes, your circulation problems can lead to heart problems, increasing your risk of sudden cardiac death. Regular ECGs can help detect heart problems and reduce the risk of severe health issues.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to get diabetes tests, and regular visits to a health care professional can help you keep your diabetes in control. Getting standard blood tests and exams can help keep your diabetes under control and keep problems from getting out of hand. iu
UNITY Medical Clinic is a family-oriented medical practice located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our highly trained staff are native residents and know the community well. This enables us to have a sense of community and understand the needs of families in our area. We appeal to the everyday family looking for a medical practice that can provide a wide range of services to all family members without having to see more than one doctor. If you need a diabetes check-up, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us by calling 505-992-3334 today!