Health library

Checkups to get when you have diabetes

Diabetes checkups

Diabetes can cause complications from head to toe.

Find out when to get the tests you need.

Regular checkups and tests can help you avoid or delay complications from diabetes.*

Select to see how.

Eye exam

Every year*

High blood sugar combined with high blood pressure can cause retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. Regular eye exams can detect retinopathy before vision loss occurs.

Dental exam

Every 6 months*

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause gum disease. And gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.

Blood pressure check

Every 3 to 6 months*

High blood pressure raises your risk for stroke, eye problems and heart disease. Controlling your blood pressure may help reduce your risk of these complications.

Cholesterol test

Every 5 years*

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which kill 2 out of 3 people with diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C test

At least twice a year*

An A1C test shows an average of your blood sugar levels over the last 2 to 3 months. This number can help your doctor determine if your current treatment plan is working.

Kidney tests

At least once a year*

High blood sugar or blood pressure can damage vessels in your kidneys. A Urine test looks for a protein called albumin, an early sign of kidney disease. And a blood test measures how well your kidneys are working.

Foot exam

Every 3 to 6 months*

Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, making it hard to know if you have blisters, calluses or cuts. Regular foot exams can help avoid infection.

*Ask your doctor how often you should have these tests.

Dial in your diabetes care

Dial in diabetes

Diabetes can be managed. Work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes—such as diet and exercise—and to keep your blood sugar in your target range.

Get more diabetes facts.

Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institutes of Health