Self-control of blood sugar | Glycated hemoglobin | Clinical blood test | General analysis of urine | Biochemical blood test | Blood pressure control | Electrocardiography | Examination by a podiatrist | Examination by an ophthalmologist | Consultation of a neurologist | Chest x-ray
This is a kind of diabetic ABC’s, our sweet code, a set of diabetic rules. Ignorance does not exempt from … no, rather leads to undesirable consequences. Only 11 simple points will help to maintain health for many years.
If you already have complications, this list will grow. For people with type 1 diabetes who do not have long-term comorbidities of diabetes (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, etc.), following these instructions will help to fix the slightest changes in the early stages and take the necessary measures in time.
1. Self-control of blood sugar
We all know it. We measure blood glucose at least 4-6 times a day. If you can use the technique of continuous glycemic monitoring it is ideal. The more carefully we follow the glycemic profile and react more flexibly, adjust nutrition and insulin therapy, the closer we come to imitate the pancreas. This means preventing possible damage from the toxic effects of glucose and frequent fluctuations in its level in the blood.
2. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Self-control is somewhat reminiscent of the school process. You study, earn grades, and then comes the report card for a quarter. Based on very good grades, you can automatically get an excellent mark or fail the test. Only in the case of diabetes compensation, everything is much more serious. Glycated hemoglobin reflects how we controlled sugar for 3 months. This control measurement is not objective, because it derives the arithmetic average, which can be from crazy fluctuations from record high to extremely low sugars. However, this test should not be neglected. Studies show that retention of HbA1c at target values plays a large role in preventing formidable complications of the disease.
3. Clinical blood test
Lab tests should be carried out annually. Here the question is not only in diabetes, but also in the general state of health. Forewarned is forearmed!
4. General analysis of urine and analysis for microalbuminuria.
Similar to a general blood test. The test for the presence of microalbumin allows you to record the primary changes in the kidneys in order to start therapy on time.
5. Biochemical blood test
In diabetes mellitus, it is mandatory to carry out once a year, since this method allows you to evaluate the work of internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, gall bladder, etc.). This way we can reveal information about metabolism (lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism) and record micronutrient status (individual need for trace elements).
Based on these results, nutrition must be adjusted. For example, you can understand what vitamins and minerals should be taken or how you are doing with cholesterol.
6. Blood pressure control
Diabetes does not spare either the heart or blood vessels. It is known that with age in all people, blood pressure rises by about 5%. That is why the standards for elderly patients are slightly higher. In the case of diabetes, changes can occur much faster. Here the expression “keep your finger on the pulse” takes on a new meaning.
7. Electrocardiography (ECG)
Once a year we undergo testing for the same reasons as regular monitoring of blood pressure.
8. Examination by a podiatrist and assessment of the tendency to develop diabetic foot syndrome
It is necessary to monitor the skin daily. But once a year, you must go to examine and evaluate the sensitivity, if there are no indicators for a more frequent check. Diabetic foot is one of the most common complications. It can be a vascular or nervous lesion. If it is detected at an early stage is effectively treatable.
9. Examination by an ophthalmologist
We recommend that you have an examination at least once every six months. The problem of eye complications is that you cannot notice the deterioration for a very long time. Often, a doctor is consulted at a time when the disease has progressed too far.
10. Consultation of a neurologist
Most often, I refer patients with diabetes according to indications to a neurologist. But regular consultation will not be superfluous.
11. Chest x-ray
This is a classic annual survey for everyone.
Timely identification of signs of changes allows you to start treatment in the early stages, which greatly increases the effectiveness. New studies show that the use of individual therapy helps to intervene in pathological processes, stop them, and often reverse course.