Exams and Tests

See your doctor about every 3 to 6 months to:

• Check your blood sugar levels since your last visit and see if your treatment needs to be changed.
• Check your blood pressure and start or adjust treatment if it's high.
• Check your feet for signs of problems.
• Have a hemoglobin A1c test. This test shows how steady your blood sugar levels have been over time. And it can show high blood sugar at times when you might not normally be checking, such as after meals and overnight. With this information, your doctor will know how well your treatment for type 2 diabetes is working.

Have these exams and tests every year:

• An eye exam. It should be done by an ophthalmologist or qualified optometrist. Some doctors may recommend getting eye exams less often if you have no signs of diabetic retinopathy.
• A fasting cholesterol and triglyceride test. If your levels are normal, you may be tested every 2 years.
• A urine test for protein. This test helps find and keep track of kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy).

As needed, you may have a blood glucose test. During this test, you'll be able to check your blood sugar meter to find out if your home blood sugar tests are reliable. This test may also be done if your doctor adjusts your diabetes medicine.

You can print out a list of tests to monitor diabetes to help you remember what to do and when.

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.