The CGM Blog
Why Getting Regular Check-Ups is Important for Diabetes Management
Getting regular check-ups and routine tests from your diabetes care team is an important part of managing diabetes and maintaining your overall health. Studies show that those who have a team of people supporting their diabetes management are more likely to experience positive health outcomes.1 Diabetes Canada recommends that individuals living with diabetes have an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers that can include diabetes dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists, social workers, and counsellors or therapists, as well as medical specialists like endocrinologists, cardiologists, podiatrists, and optometrists or ophthalmologists.2,3
Depending on whether you’re living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), your diabetes care team may look different. People living with T1D typically get routine care from an endocrinologist, a doctor specialising in the endocrine, or hormonal system that includes insulin, the hormone affected by diabetes.2 Depending on their needs, those living with T2D who do not use insulin therapy may not require an endocrinologist and receive most of their care from a family doctor.4 Whether you work most closely with an endocrinologist or a family doctor, appointments are your chance to get insight into how your diabetes management plan is working for you.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups for Diabetes Management
When we’re feeling good about our health, going to the doctor may not be at the top of our list of priorities. However, going to regularly scheduled appointments—even if you’re meeting your diabetes management goals—can help keep you on track in the long run. Routine testing gives you and your diabetes care team the opportunity to spot any issues as soon as they come up, empowering you to take action to prevent or reduce their impact on your health. Understanding what’s happening inside your body puts you in the driver’s seat of your diabetes management, providing the information you need to ensure your treatment plan meets your needs.
Going to your appointments is a bit like taking business meetings for the most important company in the world: you. As a leader of your own organization, you’re responsible for making sure every part is working well. Getting routine check-ups and tests gives you the chance to see where your organs and blood vessels may need extra support from you, your doctor, and your circle of care.
Attending regular check-ups has been shown to help individuals living with diabetes improve their blood sugar, or glucose, control, and reduce the likelihood of going to the hospital for glucose emergencies. It’s also an investment in your long-term health. Going to regular check-ups has been shown to reduce the risk of complications or medical conditions that can impact longevity, helping individuals live long, healthy lives.5
Making Regular Check-Ups Part of Your Diabetes Self-Care Routine
Advocating for your health and getting help from doctors is one of the ways to support your sense of well-being, just like taking daily walks, choosing nourishing foods, and spending time doing relaxing activities. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that scheduling and attending frequent appointments and lab tests can be exhausting. If you’re living with limited mobility, physically getting to check-ups can be especially stressful and frustrating. Mental health challenges like depression or diabetes burnout can also make it difficult to prioritize the work of contacting your diabetes care team.
It might be a good idea to set aside dedicated time to make all of your appointments at the same time. You could also get a trusted friend or loved one to help you out—even if they just sit with you while you make calls or go through online intake forms. Planning well in advance can help you organize transportation, get time off of work, and give you the chance to schedule appointments with other more enjoyable outings, like a visit to your favourite bookstore or cafe.
Regular check-ups are a great time to ask questions and discuss what’s working in your diabetes management routine and what might need improvement, so you can continue to care for yourself effectively. One of the main reasons people skip their regular appointments is that they don’t feel like they get helpful information out of them.5 A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system empowers you to come to your appointments prepared with points you’d like to discuss so that you get actionable advice and support.
Dexcom CGM Systems, including the Dexcom G7 CGM System, enable you to keep an eye on your glucose levels between appointments and log details like meals and activity alongside your glucose data—all on your smartphone, smartwatch, or handheld receiver.*† You can review your own glucose data ahead of your appointments or share your readings directly with your care team using Dexcom Clarity so you can look at the numbers together. With glucose readings in the palm of your hand—or on your doctor’s desktop—you can have a conversation about your diabetes management that’s informed by data, enabling your team to provide personalized feedback about your self-care routines.
Sometimes, it can be discouraging when you’re working hard to manage diabetes, only to be told that you’re not meeting your goals at your appointments. Along with comprehensive graphs and reports doctors can use to assess your progress, Dexcom Clarity highlights positive trends like your Best Glucose Day, giving you and your diabetes care team the opportunity to celebrate all your wins along the way.
What Tests Should People Living with Diabetes Get?
There are several important medical tests that give your doctor and diabetes care team insight into how diabetes affects your body over time so they can provide accurate guidance that helps you take care of your health. Your primary doctor or endocrinologist will help you determine the right schedule for the tests you need. The types of tests and frequency of tests will depend on your personal diabetes treatment plan. For example, Healthlink BC and the US CDC recommend regular visits to healthcare professionals, summarized below:6,7
Quarterly
A1C Test
A1C tests are typically part of a routine check-up with your family doctor or endocrinologist. An A1C test is a type of blood test that measures the average glucose levels in your body over the previous two to three months.6,7 A1C tests are used to diagnose diabetes, but they are also used to make sure you’re on the right track with your glucose management. Diabetes Canada generally recommends that individuals who struggle with glucose control get an A1C test every three months. For those who are meeting the A1C goals they have determined with the help of their doctor, Diabetes Canada suggests getting an A1C test every six months.8
Blood Pressure Test
Individuals living with diabetes are at higher risk of experiencing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.9 High blood pressure can damage the kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves over time, which can lead to other diabetes complications. Getting your blood pressure checked can help you and your diabetes care team be proactive about your health to reduce the risk of complications down the road. Diabetes Canada recommends that individuals living with diabetes get their blood pressure checked at every doctor’s visit.10
Twice Yearly
Dental Examination and Cleaning
Dental health is an important part of diabetes management. Dentists can check for gum disease and tooth decay, which can be more likely to happen in those experiencing high glucose levels. Regular check-ups enable your dentist to spot any issues when they come up, which can help you and your diabetes care team address them as soon as possible. Routine cleanings can also help support your overall dental health and reduce the risk of complications that affect your mouth.[6]6
Annually
Eye Examination
One of the complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition happens when high glucose levels damage the blood vessels and tissues in the part of the eye that allows us to see light, which is called the retina. If diabetic retinopathy isn’t addressed, it can lead to blindness.11 Not everyone experiences symptoms of diabetic retinopathy right away, so getting regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help you get ahead of any changes in your eye health.12 This allows you and your diabetes care team to improve your glucose control or prioritize treatments for preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy.6,11
Complete Foot Examination
High glucose levels can also damage the nerves, known as diabetic neuropathy, and blood vessels in your extremities, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).13 These conditions can lead to numbness or a loss of feeling in the lower legs and feet. This can make it difficult to notice when you have a cut or blister, increasing the risk of infections. Serious infections may eventually lead to amputation.13 On top of looking after your legs and feet on a daily basis at home, it’s important for your doctor to perform a full exam at their clinic to check whether you’re experiencing diabetic neuropathy or PAD and see if there are any wounds that need extra care.6,13
Cholesterol Test
A cholesterol test is a blood test that’s also called a lipid profile or lipid panel.14 People living with diabetes are more likely to experience high cholesterol, which happens when a type of fat known as cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels. Too much cholesterol can contribute to cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.15 Getting your cholesterol checked annually can help you and your doctor determine whether you need to take steps to lower your cholesterol, such as adjusting your diet or managing your weight, or if you need to take medication to support healthy cholesterol levels.6,15
Kidney Tests
Those living with diabetes are also at higher risk of experiencing kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy.16 Our kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste and balancing essential minerals in our bodies.17 High glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which prevents them from doing their job effectively. Untreated kidney disease may lead to needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.18 Your doctor might use several different blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.6 Annual kidney check-ups give you and your diabetes care team the opportunity to spot changes in your kidney function and make proactive changes to your diabetes care plan to support your kidneys.6,18
Creating a Collaborative Relationship with Your Care Team
Check-ups give you the opportunity to review your diabetes management plan and get guidance you can put into action. With Dexcom CGM and Dexcom Clarity, you and every member of your diabetes care team can collaborate over a comprehensive view of your glucose patterns. Using a Dexcom CGM System along with Dexcom Clarity allows you and your team to get on the same page about your glucose management. This helps ensure that your healthcare providers can offer tailored advice that addresses your unique needs at every stage of your diabetes journey. It also enables you and your team to see how new treatments or self-care strategies affect your diabetes management, which can help you make a meaningful impact on your health and overall well-being.
*Smart services sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
† Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 6 meters to utilize Share/Follow. Share/Follow is not available with Apple Watch by itself.
† Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with an Apple Watch. Dexcom G7 users must continuously have their smartphone within 6 meters to utilize Share/Follow. Share/Follow is not available with Apple Watch by itself.
1 Clement M, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Organization of Diabetes Care. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S27-S35. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.005. PMID: 29650106.
2 Your Type 1 Diabetes Care Team. JDRF Canada. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://jdrf.ca/newly-diagnosed/choosing-your-care-team/
3 Newly diagnosed. Diabetes Canada. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-(3)/newly-diagnosed
4 Navigating the healthcare system in Canada for managing diabetes. Diabetes Care Community. March 18, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca/diabetes-overview-articles/navigating-healthcare-system-canada-managing-diabetes/
5 Eades C, et al. A mixed-methods exploration of non-attendance at diabetes appointments using peer researchers. Health Expect. 2019;22(6):1260-1271. doi:10.1111/hex.12959
6 Diabetes: Tests to Watch for Complications. HealthLink BC. Updated March 1, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/diabetes/diabetes-tests-watch-complications
7 Your Diabetes Care Schedule. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/your-diabetes-care-schedule.html
8 Berard LD, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S47-S53. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.007. PMID: 29650111.
9 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/diabetes-and-high-blood-pressure
10 High blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes Canada. 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Managing-My-Diabetes/Tools%20and%20Resources/high-blood-pressure-and-diabetes.pdf?ext=.pdf
11 Altomare F, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Retinopathy. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S210-S216. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.027. PMID: 29650099.
12 Diabetic retinopathy. Mayo Clinic. February 21, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
13 Embil JM, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Foot Care. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S222-S227. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.020. PMID: 29650101.
14 Cholesterol test. Mayo Clinic. February 20, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
15 Managing cholesterol. Heart & Stroke. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/condition-risk-factors/managing-cholesterol
16 Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease). Mayo Clinic. October 24, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-nephropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20354556
17 Your Kidneys & How They Work. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Reviewed June 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
18 McFarlane P, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetes. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S201-S209. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.11.004. PMID: 29650098.
2 Your Type 1 Diabetes Care Team. JDRF Canada. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://jdrf.ca/newly-diagnosed/choosing-your-care-team/
3 Newly diagnosed. Diabetes Canada. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes-(3)/newly-diagnosed
4 Navigating the healthcare system in Canada for managing diabetes. Diabetes Care Community. March 18, 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca/diabetes-overview-articles/navigating-healthcare-system-canada-managing-diabetes/
5 Eades C, et al. A mixed-methods exploration of non-attendance at diabetes appointments using peer researchers. Health Expect. 2019;22(6):1260-1271. doi:10.1111/hex.12959
6 Diabetes: Tests to Watch for Complications. HealthLink BC. Updated March 1, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/diabetes/diabetes-tests-watch-complications
7 Your Diabetes Care Schedule. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/your-diabetes-care-schedule.html
8 Berard LD, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S47-S53. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.007. PMID: 29650111.
9 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/diabetes-and-high-blood-pressure
10 High blood pressure and diabetes. Diabetes Canada. 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Managing-My-Diabetes/Tools%20and%20Resources/high-blood-pressure-and-diabetes.pdf?ext=.pdf
11 Altomare F, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Retinopathy. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S210-S216. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.027. PMID: 29650099.
12 Diabetic retinopathy. Mayo Clinic. February 21, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-retinopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371611
13 Embil JM, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Foot Care. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S222-S227. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.020. PMID: 29650101.
14 Cholesterol test. Mayo Clinic. February 20, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
15 Managing cholesterol. Heart & Stroke. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention/condition-risk-factors/managing-cholesterol
16 Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease). Mayo Clinic. October 24, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-nephropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20354556
17 Your Kidneys & How They Work. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Reviewed June 2018. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
18 McFarlane P, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Chronic Kidney Disease in Diabetes. Can J Diabetes. 2018 Apr;42 Suppl 1:S201-S209. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.11.004. PMID: 29650098.