Living with diabetes means your body may need extra attention in certain areas. These routine screenings are designed to catch small changes early, when care is often simpler, and outcomes are better.
Annual wellness visit or annual physical
What it covers: A full review of medications, screenings and preventive care.
Why you care: These visits give you time to review the big picture, ask questions, discuss recommended screenings and plan ahead with your provider.
A1c test
What it checks: Your average blood sugar levels over the past few months.
Why you care: This test helps you and your provider see patterns rather than one good or bad day. It shows whether your current plan is supporting your long-term health and helps guide next steps before complications develop.
Blood pressure checks
What it checks: The force of blood moving through your arteries.
Why you care: Diabetes and high blood pressure together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems. Regular checks help protect your heart and blood vessels over time.
Cholesterol or lipid panel
What it checks: Cholesterol and fats in your blood.
Why you care: Diabetes raises the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. This screening helps your provider understand how to lower that risk and protect your heart.
Kidney function tests
What they check: How well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
Why you care: Kidney changes often happen without symptoms. Finding issues early can protect your kidneys and help you avoid more serious treatments later.
Dilated eye exam
What it checks: Blood vessels and nerves in your eyes.
Why you care: Diabetes can affect your vision before you notice changes. Regular exams can catch early damage and help preserve eyesight before vision loss occurs.
Foot exams
What they check: Circulation, sensation and skin health in your feet.
Why you care: Diabetes can reduce feeling and slow healing. Foot exams help prevent sores, infections and complications that can affect mobility and independence.
Dental exams
What they check: Gum and oral health.
Why you care: People with diabetes are at higher risk for gum disease, which can also make blood sugar harder to manage. Dental care supports oral health and diabetes management.
Routine vaccinations
What they protect against: Illnesses such as flu, pneumonia, COVID, shingles or hepatitis B.
Why you care: Diabetes can make it harder to recover from infections. Staying current on vaccines lowers the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
Heart health screenings
What they may include: Additional blood tests or cardiovascular assessments.
Why you care: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Monitoring heart health helps protect your energy, stamina and daily activities.
Other screenings based on your age and health history
Examples may include cancer screenings, hearing exams or bone density tests.
Common timing of each screening:
- Blood pressure checks: Every office visit
- Cholesterol: Annually, or more frequently if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medications
- Kidney: At least annually
- Eye Exam: Every office visit
- Dental: Every 6 months
- Routine vaccinations: As needed
Why you care: These screenings support long-term independence, safety and quality of life as you age.
Not everyone needs every screening and timing may vary. Talk with your provider about which screenings make sense for you and when to have them.