Managing Your Diabetes: Health Screenings to Schedule in the New Year
A chronic condition is defined as a condition that lasts one year or more, and meets one or both of the following:
- Limits activities of daily living.
- Requires ongoing medical attention.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. and is also a leading cause of death and disability. If you are among the 1 in 10 Arizonans living with diabetes, certain health screenings are recommended to improve your health and reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications like gum disease or blindness.
As we approach the new year, make managing your health a priority – or even a resolution! Schedule regular exams to better manage this chronic condition. A general health screening guide for adults living with diabetes is below. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional screenings as needed to support you and your health.
Health screenings
- Primary Care Provider (PCP) visits every 3-6 months to get your A1C checked.
- Annual exams:
- Physical exam
- Retinal eye exam
- Foot exam. Talk with your provider about how to perform at-home foot checks in between office visits.
- Blood work and urine test to check kidney function
3. Dental exam every six months.
4. Vaccinations as recommended. Hyperglycemia can decrease the effectiveness of your white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections. Your healthcare team may develop a vaccination schedule with you that includes the following:
- Influenza (Flu shot)
- COVID-19
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
5. Behavioral health visits as recommended.
6. Dietitian visits as recommended.
Talk to your healthcare team about your 2024 health goals and how to meet them. Work together to develop a plan that includes any tests, exams, or visits appropriate for you. Visit our AZ Blue Diabetes website to learn more: Diabetes | AZBlue