Exams and Tests

Diagnostic tests

If your doctor thinks that you may have diabetes, he or she will order blood tests to measure how much sugar is in your blood. The tests used are blood glucose tests and hemoglobin A1c.

To make a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will use your blood test results and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. He or she will also ask you questions about your medical history and do a physical exam for type 2 diabetes.

Tests to monitor your health

You'll need to see your doctor every 3 to 6 months. At each visit you'll:

• Check your blood sugar levels since your last visit and review your target range.
• Check your blood pressure and start or adjust treatment if your blood pressure is higher than 130/80. Nerve and blood vessel damage can result from high blood pressure, leading to heart problems and strokes. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure.
• Check your feet for signs of problems. Nerve damage in your feet makes it hard to feel an injury or infection. Take off your socks each time you see the doctor to be sure you both remember to check your feet.
• Have a hemoglobin A1c test. This blood test shows how steady your blood sugar levels have been over time.

Here's a list of tests to monitor type 2 diabetes to help you remember what to do and when.

Review your progress regularly

Regular visits and checkups with your doctor are also a good time to:

• Review your meal plan.
  • Food List(What is a PDF document?)
  • Tracking My Foods and Blood Sugar Levels(What is a PDF document?)
• Review your physical activity.
  • Physical Activity Log(What is a PDF document?)
• Review your mental health.
  • Tracking My Feelings About Diabetes(What is a PDF document?)
  • How Do You Cope With Stress?(What is a PDF document?)
• Review your blood sugar records.
  • Blood Sugar Testing Times Form(What is a PDF document?)
  • Home Blood Sugar Diary(What is a PDF document?)
• Review your medicines.
  • Master List of Medicines(What is a PDF document?)

These visits are also a good time to talk with your doctor about how you're feeling. It's normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed with all there is to do. If you're having trouble coping, your doctor can help.

Tests to do every year

• A complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage your eyes. This test can find problems early.
• A cholesterol and triglyceride test. This test shows your LDL cholesterol level. You and your doctor can adjust your treatment plan according to how high it is.
• A urine test, to check for protein. If protein is found, you'll have more tests to help guide the best treatment. Protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).
• A blood test for creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This test is used to screen for kidney disease.
• A liver function test. This test looks for damage to the liver.
• A thyroid-stimulating hormone test. Women over 50 years old or anyone with high cholesterol should have this test.

Dental checkups

• Dental exam. See your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning of your teeth and to look for gum disease.

Eye exams during pregnancy

If you get pregnant, you will need to have an eye exam sometime during the first 3 months. You'll also need close follow-up during your pregnancy and for 1 year after you have your baby. Pregnancy increases your risk for diabetic retinopathy.¹ If you already have eye disease and get pregnant, the disease can quickly get worse.