People living with diabetes should undergo routine tests that help monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Enhanced screenings and tests should also be a part of a routine preventive care plan to monitor your A1C, kidney, eye and foot health.

Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. That’s why routine screening is so important in the early detection and treatment of kidney disease, as it may slow progression of kidney failure.

Annual testing for kidney disease involves urine testing to detect very small amounts of albumin. Albumin is a type of protein. A small amount of albumin in the urine is called microalbuminuria. This is a sign that the kidneys’ filtering units have been damaged. This test is especially important if you are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) because of diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of these conditions.

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  Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best measure of kidney function. GFR estimates your kidney’s filtering ability using the result of a simple blood test for a waste product called creatinine, and other factors like age, gender, and race. Your GFR will show how well your kidneys are working. If your GFR is below normal, it is used to determine the stage of kidneydisease and treatment options.

A1C tests are a critical step in forming your game plan to manage diabetes with your diabetes care team. A1C tests are used to monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working over time.

This simple blood test shows your average blood sugar level over the last two to three months. Higher levels put you at greater risk of developing diabetes complications. You’ll likely take the A1C test at least twice a year if you’re meeting your treatment goals. If your goals are off track or you change treatments, you might need an A1C test more often.

Patients with diabetes are at high risk of retinal and foot problems and need regular screening to ensure they don’t develop problems related to these complications

Don’t forget to include the following standard screenings for overall health:

• Cholesterol

• Blood pressure

You and your healthcare provider can work on a treatment plan to help manage your diabetes. Treatment plans often include lifestyle adjustments, self-care measures and medications to help you maintain healthy blood glucose (sugar) levels and minimize the risk of diabetes and heart-related complications. Diabetes can be monitored and managed effectively over the course of a patient’s lifetime.

• Learn how to keep A1C & glucose levels on target

• Get information about medications

• Learn about annual screenings & immunizations

• Get help testing your blood sugar with continuous monitoring (CGM), glucose meters and testing strips

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), over 7 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed, and 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. To learn your risk for diabetes, visit the ADA to take the type 2 diabetes risk assessment. Certain factors make you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Learning your risk level gives you the opportunity to take action and prevent it. Please note: This test is not a prescreening tool for diabetes.