If you have diabetes, you are not alone. It is estimated that 21 million people in the United States have diabetes –- 90-95% of these people have type 2 diabetes. The good news is that diabetes is very treatable. Despite your diabetes, you can lead a normal, productive life if you stay in good control and see your doctor regularly. In this Health Alert, Johns Hopkins provides a checklist of tests for people with diabetes.

To prevent or delay the development of complications from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need to take a proactive role in the management of your health care. This includes making regular visits to your primary care physician and other professionals on your healthcare team.

How frequently you see each member of your team varies, but, in general, individuals with diabetes should have a comprehensive physical once a year and have their diabetes assessed at least every six months.

During these visits, you may undergo tests and exams that indicate how well you are maintaining your health and if any complications of diabetes are emerging or progressing. Individuals with diabetes should know about the tests and exams their doctors perform, the goal for each test and exam, and how often each is typically done. Here's a checklist.

Physical Exams For People With Diabetes

Blood pressure: Desirable Result -- less than 130/80 mm Hg
Frequency -- Every visit

Foot inspection: Desirable Result -- No ulcers, skin abnormalities, joint problems, or loss of sensation
Frequency -- Every visit: Visual inspection Yearly: Assessment of pulses and sensation

Eye exam: Frequency -- Yearly
Dental exam: Frequency -- Yearly

LABORATORY TESTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

HbA1c:
Desirable Result -- less than 7%
Frequency -- Every three to six months

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:
Desirable Result -- less than 100 mg/dL
Frequency -- At least yearly

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol:
Desirable Result -- Men: greater than 45 mg/dL
Women: greater than 55 mg/dL
Frequency -- At least yearly

Triglycerides:
Desirable Result -- less than 150 mg/dL

Urine microalbumin test (random, spot collection):
Desirable Result -- less than 30 mcg albumin/mg creatinine
Frequency -- Yearly