Your year-round diabetes health maintenance checklist

Living with diabetes can feel like a full-time job. Between checking your blood sugar, planning meals, staying active and taking medication, it's easy to focus only on the daily numbers. But your healthcare team is there to help. The truth is, some of the most important parts of diabetes management happen outside of that daily routine, during your checkups a few times a year.

"Diabetes management isn't about perfection; it's about consistency," says Constantine Vlamis, MD, an internal medicine physician at Endeavor Health. "Small, routine steps like keeping appointments, monitoring your blood sugar and staying active can make a big difference in preventing complications," he adds.

These routine exams and screenings with your healthcare team can catch complications before you notice symptoms. They also give you and your doctor the opportunity to make adjustments that can help protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves over the long run.

To help you stay on track between appointments, use this checklist to manage your diabetes care throughout the year.

Every day

• Monitor your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar as recommended by your healthcare team and keep a record of your readings. Bringing this information to appointments helps your care team identify trends and determine whether your treatment plan is working.
• Inspect your feet. Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swellings or sores. Diabetes can reduce feeling in your feet, making it easier for injuries to go unnoticed.
• Get moving. Whether it's walking your dog, gardening, swimming or taking an exercise class, regular movement helps lower blood sugar, supports heart health and boosts your overall well-being.
• Choose healthy foods. Eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help keep your blood sugar more stable.

Every three to six months

Healthy daily habits create a strong foundation for diabetes management, but routine appointments are just as important. Every few months, check in with your doctor to see how your treatment plan is working.

• Have your A1C checked. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months. Most people have an A1C test every three months. If your diabetes is well-managed, your provider may only recommend it every six months.
• Meet with your healthcare team. Your care team can help review your blood sugar readings, medications, blood pressure, weight and any symptoms or concerns you may have. They'll also be able to notice any patterns in your health that may require medication or lifestyle changes.

Every year

Some screenings only need to happen once a year, but they are still an important part of preventing long-term complications.

• Schedule an eye exam. The American Diabetes Association recommends an annual dilated eye exam to detect diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts early.
• Schedule your yearly dental checkup. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of gum disease and other oral health problems because high blood sugar can make it harder for the body to fight infection.
• Get your flu vaccine. Diabetes increases the risk of developing complications from the flu. A yearly flu shot can help keep you healthy.
• Check your kidney health. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease, but early kidney damage often has no symptoms. A yearly urine test can help detect kidney problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Building healthy habits and staying current on recommended screenings can go a long way toward helping you feel your best. Work with your healthcare team to create a schedule that fits your needs and keep this checklist handy as a reminder throughout the year.