Health New England | Health Matters | Wellness Guide 2019

12 ∞ Health & Wellness Guide | 2019 Routine Tests and Exams Help Control the Disease Living with diabetes is a challenge. It’s a disease that needs a lot of management—such as eating right, staying active and taking your medications—to help keep it under control. But the reward of doing those things is often a much healthier life. Another crucial part of managing the disease is taking the tests and getting the exams your health care team recommends. These tests and exams can help spot health complications from diabetes early, when they’re often easier to treat. A1C test. This test shows your average blood sugar (glucose) level for the past three months. When you keep your glucose levels down over time, it lowers your risk for complications. You’ll likely need an A1C test every three to six months. Your doctor can tell you what your A1C goal number should be and how to reach it. For many peo- ple, an A1C number of less than 7 is about right. Blood pressure check. Your doctor or nurse should check your blood pressure at each appointment to make sure it isn’t too high. High blood pressure can damage your arteries and strain your heart. It makes problems such as heart attack, stroke and kidney disease more likely. To help curb such risks, aim for the blood pressure goal your doctor recommends. Cholesterol checks. Having unhealthy levels of cholesterol in your blood can boost your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may want you to have your cholesterol levels tested every year. Foot exams. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause you to lose feeling in your feet or to develop slow-healing sores and infections. Have your doctor do a quick check of your feet for problems at every appointment. Tip: Remove your shoes and socks to remind both of you to do this check. At least once a year, have a complete foot exam too. Staying on Top of Dilated eye exams. See an eye doctor for a dilated eye exam at least every oth- er year. Having diabetes increases the risk of eye diseases such as reti- nopathy, which can lead to vision loss if it isn’t treated. Regular dilated eye exams can help spot these problems before your vision changes. DIABETES