Your Diabetes Care Schedule: What to Check Daily, Quarterly and Yearly

Use this schedule to keep on top of self-checks, tests and appointments all year. If you have questions, ask your doctor about a referral to diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services.

Every day

• Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor advises, up to several times a day. Record the results and share them at your next visit.
• Check your feet, using a mirror or a family member's help for the soles. Tell your doctor at once about cuts, sores or blisters; redness or swelling; corns or calluses; or any other change to skin or nails.
• Take your diabetes medicines as prescribed, even when you feel well.
• Be active: 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, on most days, at least 150 minutes a week.
• Eat well: foods that nourish you and help keep blood sugar in your target range.

Every 3 or 6 months

At each visit your blood pressure and weight are checked and your self-care plan and medicines reviewed. If you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems, ask the doctor to check your feet.

Every year

• Flu shot
• Kidney tests
• Cholesterol test
• Dilated eye exam, more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems
• Hearing check
• Complete foot check, more often if you have had foot problems
• Dental exam, more often if advised; tell your dentist you have diabetes

Just once

• Pneumonia shot: one as an adult before 65, then two more doses at 65 or older.
• Hepatitis B shot: if you are 60 or younger and haven't had it; if you're over 60, ask your doctor.

As needed

• Mental health: tell your doctor right away if you feel sad or hopeless, so you can get help.
• New or worsening problems: call your doctor for a check.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Your Diabetes Care Schedule." https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/your-diabetes-care-schedule.html
• The original's stock photograph is not reproduced here.