apollo
Online Doctor Consultation & Medicines
  • Login

Diabetes Management

8 Important Tests for People with Type 2 Diabetes

4 min read

By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 01 December 2020, Updated on - 27 August 2023

8 tests for better diabetes managementConclusion

  • Share this article

  • 0

  • 0 like

Most diabetes complications can be prevented if identified early through tests.
Diabetes is a condition which could affect several organs of the body and is, therefore, a risk factor for multiple health issues. Perhaps the most ideal approach to prevent or slow the progression of diabetes and its related complications is to go for routine tests and health check-ups. Early diagnosis can also help detect the condition in its early phases and treat it before it worsens. Experts uphold that most of the complications associated with diabetes can be prevented if identified early through tests.

8 tests for better diabetes management

  1. HbA1C test

This test determines the average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months and is a measure of how well the blood glucose is being managed. When glucose builds up in the blood, it binds to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells. The A1c test measures how much glucose is present in the blood.
For people with diabetes, A1C levels need to be checked two to four times a year, based on the doctor’s recommendation. For such individuals, the ideal HbA1C is below 7%. For every 1% reduction in the HbA1c, the associated risk of eye, kidney or nerve problems also reduces by 40%.

  1. Blood pressure check

Diabetes and high blood pressure often occur together. Elevated blood pressure over time can damage blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrition to the heart tissue. It causes the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Hence, blood pressure must be checked every 3 - 6 months when visiting the doctor or at home. Diabetics who are already diagnosed as hypertensive must check their BP more frequently. People with diabetes should aim to keep their blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg.

  1. Lipid profile

Diabetes is associated with high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and high triglycerides. These cause blockage or narrowing of the arteries, which place people with diabetes at a greater risk for heart diseases. Hence, it is important to check blood cholesterol levels via lipid profile test annually.
Target cholesterol levels:
HDL (good) cholesterol – above 40 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol – below 100 mg/dL
Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL

  1. Electrocardiogram

The symptoms of heart disease are often not easy to recognize and do not come with warning signs. For people with diabetes who are older than 50 years, an electrocardiogram should be considered as part of routine medical tests. An electrocardiogram is a simple test that checks the heart's function by assessing the electrical activity of the heart. This test can help in the early detection of any problem linked to the heart’s electrical system.

  1. Eye examination

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, very high blood sugar can block the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nourish the retina. This increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. It is recommended that people with diabetes go for an eye examination once a year.

  1. Kidney function tests

Elevated blood sugar over time can cause damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys. Damaged kidneys can no longer function properly to filter waste and extra fluids. Kidney function tests are performed to check the proper functioning of the kidneys. One of the tests measures the micro-albumin (albumin protein) that the damaged kidneys leak into the urine. The other is a blood test to measure the amount of creatinine (a waste product released by muscles into the blood and removed by kidneys). A rise in the level of these two proteins is an early sign of kidney damage. It is recommended that these tests are performed at least once a year in people with diabetes.

  1. Foot examination

Elevated blood sugar causes damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the legs and feet, sometimes causing loss of sensation. Therefore, a regular foot examination helps to detect and prevent any minor wound or cut from becoming a serious health problem. It is advisable for people with diabetes to get their foot health checked every year. They should avoid walking barefoot and must often check for sores or cuts at home and discuss it with the doctor.

  1. Dental examination

The risk of gum inflammation is three times higher in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This is because high blood sugar in the saliva promotes the growth of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria combine with food particles to form plaques. These plaques harden and collect over the gum line causing gum diseases. Hence, people with diabetes should see a dentist every 6 months and get regular cleaning of the teeth done.

Conclusion

Many diabetes issues can be avoided by understanding potential health risks, getting routine health tests and reversing complications early on. People with diabetes should monitor any abnormality observed and discuss it with their doctor. Your doctor may refer you to other specialists like an ophthalmologist, nephrologist, podiatrist, and dentist for a holistic diabetes management plan. These specialists can identify potential health issues in their early stages and provide the right treatment.
For any queries related to diabetes, speak to an endocrinologist or a diabetologist.
 
You can also manage your diabetes like a pro with Apollo 24|7's 12-week empower programme
 

Services

References+7

Diabetes Management

Consult Top Diabetologists

View All
doctor

Dr. K Surya Pavan Reddy

18 Years•Diabetology
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Fees ₹ 200
doctor

Dr. Rakesh Parikh

14 Years•Diabetology
Diabecity, Jaipur
Fees ₹ 400

Leave Comment

Name

Email Id

Comment

Services

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Diabetic Nephropathy: Are Your Kidneys At Risk?

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of prolonged diabetes that can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. Diabetics need to be aware of their risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and take steps to prevent it.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Avoid or Limit These Common Foods with Hidden Sugar

Some foods that may contain hidden sugars include flavoured yoghurt, granola bars, canned fruit in syrup, condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce, flavoured coffee drinks, packaged sauces and dressings, certain breakfast cereals, and processed snacks. Diabetics should read the food labels and be extra cautious about ingredients to manage diabetes well.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

What Travel Essentials Should People with Diabetes Carry?

To ensure proper diabetes management while traveling, individuals should pack essential items such as a glucose meter, oral diabetes medications, insulin or insulin pump with supporting documents, insulin and syringes, test strips, lancing device and lancets, non-medical supplies, fast-acting glucose, glucagon emergency kit, small packaged snacks, prescription, medical history, and health insurance card.

Subscribe

Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter

Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.

Email

Visual Stories

story-img

8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes

Tap to continue exploring

  • Share this article

  • 0

  • 0 like

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Diabetic Nephropathy: Are Your Kidneys At Risk?

Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of prolonged diabetes that can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. Diabetics need to be aware of their risk of developing diabetic nephropathy and take steps to prevent it.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Avoid or Limit These Common Foods with Hidden Sugar

Some foods that may contain hidden sugars include flavoured yoghurt, granola bars, canned fruit in syrup, condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce, flavoured coffee drinks, packaged sauces and dressings, certain breakfast cereals, and processed snacks. Diabetics should read the food labels and be extra cautious about ingredients to manage diabetes well.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

What Travel Essentials Should People with Diabetes Carry?

To ensure proper diabetes management while traveling, individuals should pack essential items such as a glucose meter, oral diabetes medications, insulin or insulin pump with supporting documents, insulin and syringes, test strips, lancing device and lancets, non-medical supplies, fast-acting glucose, glucagon emergency kit, small packaged snacks, prescription, medical history, and health insurance card.