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Diabetes Care

Schedule

Key points

Use this list to stay on schedule with self-checks, exams, and appointments throughout the year.

Got questions? Ask your Endocrinologist about a referral for diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services.

Every day

Blood sugar checks. Check up to several times a day as directed by your doctor. Keep a record of your numbers and share with your health care team during your next visit.

Foot check. Use a mirror if you can't see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member for help. Let your doctor know immediately if you have any:

Cuts, sores, or blisters

Redness or swelling

Corns or calluses

Other change to the skin or nails

Diabetes medicines. Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you feel good.

Physical activity. On most days, get 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or riding a bike. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week.

Healthy eating. Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need and help your blood sugar stay in your target range.

Every 3 months

A1C test. If your treatment has changed or you're having trouble meeting your blood sugar goals, have this test every 3 months.

Doctor visit. If you're having trouble meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 3 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked, and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Ask your doctor to check your feet if you've ever had diabetes-related foot problems.

Every 6 months

A1C test. If you're meeting your treatment and blood sugar goals, have this test every 6 months.

Doctor visit. If you're meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 6 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked, and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Ask your doctor to check your feet if you've ever had diabetes-related foot problems.

Dental exam. Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year (more often if your doctor recommends), and let your dentist know that you have diabetes.

Every year

Physical checkup by your doctor

Flu shot

Kidney tests

Cholesterol test

Dilated eye exam (more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems)

Hearing check

Complete foot check (more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems)

Dental exam (more often if your doctor recommends; let your dentist know you have diabetes)

Just once

Pneumonia shot. Get a pneumonia shot as an adult before you're 65. You'll need two more doses when you're 65 or older.

Hepatitis B shot. Get a hepatitis B shot if you're 60 or younger and haven't had the shot before. Talk to your doctor about getting the shot if you're over 60.

As needed

Mental health check. Let your doctor know right away if you're feeling sad or hopeless so you can get help.

New symptoms or health problems. If health problems are getting worse or if you notice new ones, call your doctor for an evaluation.

Helping Friends and Family With Diabetes

Key points

Your support can help a loved one manage their diabetes more effectively.

Ask how you can help, and listen to what they say.

Learn about diabetes and the steps needed to manage it every day.

Why your support matters

One of the best ways to predict how well someone will manage their diabetes: how much support they get from family and friends.

Daily diabetes care is a lot to handle, from checking blood sugar to eating healthy food and being active. Your support can help make the difference between your loved one feeling overwhelmed or empowered.

Support tips

Learn about diabetes

Find out:

Why and when blood sugar should be checked

How to recognize and handle highs and lows (more below)

What lifestyle changes are needed

Where to go for information and help

Know diabetes is individual

Each person who has diabetes is different, and their treatment plan needs to fit their specific needs.

Ask and listen

Ask your friend or relative how you can help, and then listen to what they say. They may want reminders and assistance (or may not), and their needs can change over time.

Go to appointments

Go with your relative or friend to health care appointments if it's OK with them. You could learn more about how diabetes affects them and how you can be the most helpful.

Make time for self-care

Give them time in the daily schedule so they can manage diabetes—check blood sugar, make healthy food, take a walk.

Avoid blame

Many people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, but being overweight is just one of several factors involved. And blood sugar levels can be hard to manage even with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Diabetes is complicated!

Step back

You may share the same toothpaste, but your family member may not want to share everything about managing diabetes with you. The same goes for a friend with diabetes.

Accept the ups and downs

Moods can change with blood sugar levels, from happy to sad to irritable. Ask your friend or relative to tell their health care team if they feel sad on most days—it could be depression.

Be encouraging

Tell them you know how hard they're trying. Remind them of their successes. Point out how proud you are of their progress.

Walk the talk

Follow the same healthy food and fitness plan as your loved one. It's good for your health, too. Lifestyle changes become habits more easily when you make them together.

Know the lows

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be serious and needs to be treated immediately. Symptoms vary, so be sure to know your friend's or relative's specific signs, which could include:

Shakiness, nervousness, or anxiety

Sweating, chills or clamminess

Irritability or impatience

Dizziness and difficulty concentrating

Hunger or nausea

Blurred vision

Weakness or fatigue

Anger, stubborness, or sadness

When extra help is needed

Children

If you have a child with diabetes, you'll probably be much more involved with their day-to-day care. Younger kids and those who just found out they have diabetes will need help with everyday management. Some older kids will be comfortable with doing their own self-care. Your child's health care team will give you detailed information about managing your child's diabetes.

Older adults

Diabetes is more common in older adults, and it can be harder for them to manage. Older people may not be as able to notice high or low blood sugar levels. It's especially important for you to know the signs and how it should be handled. They may have several diabetes complications such as vision problems, kidney disease, or nerve damage. Regular appointments with their health care team are really important to manage complications.

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