In addition to your regular doctor visits to checkup on the status of your diabetes, there will be a yearly visit that will provide the following checks:
1. The doctor will check your cholesterol, as well as other blood fats. If any problems with your blood fat levels arise, your doctor will probably prefer to check up on your cholesterol more often.
2. The doctor will examine your feet. Your feet will be checked for nerve damage and other problems. Nerve damage to the feet and legs is a very common problem for diabetics who have ignored their symptoms for a long period of time.
3. The doctor will measure your microalbumin. This check is done in order to look for small amounts of protein that may be in your urine. Checking the microalbumin will also provide a status of how well your kidneys are working.
4. This annual checkup will also include an eye examination. Your main doctor will refer you to another doctor that specializes in the eyes for a checkup. This is done to ensure that you have not experienced complications with eye disease. If you show any signs of damage then this will provide your main doctor with the information needed for a change in diabetes treatments.
5. Your doctor may start you on a diabetes educational plan. Depending on the status of your health and whether or not other complications have begun to show up, your doctor may ask you to receive counseling and education from a specialist during the change of your diabetes care.
6. Your yearly visit may also include a flu shot, as well as a pneumonia vaccine. Although not necessary, it is quite acceptable to request a flu shot from your doctor during this yearly diabetes visit. And if you have not already had one, you may be offered a pneumonia vaccine. You should have a pneumonia vaccine shot at least once in your lifetime, especially after the age of 65.
