Diabetes: Tests to Watch for Complications

Organ or condition

Test

What it shows

Target level

High blood sugar

Every 3 to 6 months, have a hemoglobin A1c test.

How steady your blood sugar levels have been over time

7% or less for most non-pregnant adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes

7.5% or less for children younger than 18 years old with type 1 diabetes

(Your goal may be lower or higher, based on your health and age.)

High blood pressure

Have your blood pressure checked once at least year. If your blood pressure is high have it checked more often.

Pressure of blood flow in your arteries

Less than 130 mm Hg systolic (top number) and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number)

Kidneys

Every year, have your urine checked for the protein albumin. Also, have your blood checked for the waste product creatinine.

These are used to calculate an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Whether kidney disease is developing

ACR less than 2.0 mg/mmol

24-hour urine albumin less than 30 mg per day

Estimated glomular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min

Eyes

Every year, visit an ophthalmologist or an optometrist for a dilated eye examination (ophthalmoscopy). Some doctors may recommend less frequent eye examinations (for example, every 2 years) if you have no signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Whether retinopathy (damage to back of the eye) has developed

No retinal damage

Feet

Every year, get a thorough examination of your feet.

Whether foot ulcers have developed

Whether the person has lost any sensation

No foot ulcers or loss of sensation

Teeth

Your dentist will recommend how often to have routine checkups. Many people should see their dentists once or twice a year.

Gum disease

Healthy gums and teeth

Thyroid

All children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes should have a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test every two years.

Thyroid disease

Normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level

Liver

Your doctor may recommend a liver function blood test, especially if you are taking a medicine that could affect your liver.

Liver disease

Normal liver function test

High cholesterol

Every year get your cholesterol levels checked.

Along with other measures, cholesterol levels can help you know your risk for heart attack or stroke.

LDL 2.0 mmol/L or less

The goal in treating cholesterol is to lower your chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. The goal is not just to lower your cholesterol numbers.