You can help prevent most diabetes complications from developing if you take care of your diabetes. Use this list to stay on schedule with your diabetes management. Your primary care doctor or your diabetes care team may recommend a different schedule or different goals. If so, please follow their advice for your personal diabetes care schedule.
Every Day:
- Blood sugar checks
- Foot check
- If you have cuts, redness, swelling, corns, calluses, or changes in your skin or nails, contact your doctor immediately.
- If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask a friend or family member to help.
- Diabetes medications
- Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you’re feeling fine.
- Physical activity
- Try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking or riding a bike. Aim for 150 minutes each week.
- Mindful eating
- Eat healthy foods that give you good nutrition and help your blood sugar stay in your target range. If you aren’t sure about what to eat, ask to meet with a dietician.
Every 3 Months:
- A1C test
- If you are having trouble meeting your blood sugar goals, take this test every 3 months.
Every 6 Months:
- A1C blood test (only if your blood sugar is considered in range by your doctor)
- Teeth and gums exam by your dentist (let your dentist know that you have diabetes)
Every Year, you should get these exams and vaccinations:
- Physical checkup by your doctor
- Flu shot
- Kidney tests
- Cholesterol and triglycerides tests
- Dilated eye exam (sometimes more often if your doctor thinks it’s necessary)
- Hearing
- Foot check (sometimes more often if you have a history of diabetes-related foot problems)
Only Once:
- Pneumonia shots
- Get the pneumonia shot as an adult before you’re 65. You will need two more doses when you’re 65 or older.
- Hepatitis B shots
- Get the hepatitis B shots if you’re 60 or younger and have not had the shots before. Talk to your doctor about getting the shots if you’re over 60.
As Needed:
- Mental Health Checks
- Managing behavioral health along with diabetes is difficult and requires a coordinated approach. You are not alone! There are resources available to help you every step of the way. Call Carelon Behavioral Health at 1-855-371-8095.
Be in Control – and Earn Rewards!
PCHP’s STAR Medicaid and CHIP members can earn a $20 reward when they join Parkland Community Health Plan’s Be in Control program and remain enrolled for 3 months. Program members get educational materials and resources to support the management of asthma and diabetes. Click here to learn more.
