But these regular diabetes health checks are essential to helping you stay healthy so you can continue living life to the full.
Diabetes can cause other health problems that can become serious if not picked up and monitored or treated in the early stages. So, regular diabetes health checks – sometimes called your yearly or annual review – are part of your routine NHS treatment.
What health checks should I be having?
As part of your annual review, these are the health checks you should be offered:
- A blood test where enough blood is taken to be sent to the lab to check your:
- HbA1c – your average blood sugar levels for the past three months.
- Cholesterol levels – how much fat is in your blood.
- Kidney function – how well your kidneys are working.
- You should also be asked to provide a urine sample, which is sent to the lab to check for signs of kidney disease
At the appointment, you will also have:
- A foot check
- Your weight and height are measured to work out your Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Your blood pressure measured.
- Your healthcare team will also ask if you smoke, so you can be offered help to stop.
Eye Checks
You should also be invited to a diabetic eye check. This will not be at your annual review and is not the same as a sight test at the optician. You will be contacted by the Diabetic Eye Screening Wales Service for your diabetic eye check.
Photos are taken of your eyes to see how diabetes is affecting them, as it can damage the blood vessels and cause an eye problem called diabetic retinopathy.
If your last diabetic eye check was clear, it may be safely offered once every two years rather than once a year.
Get more information about diabetic eye tests and find out how to book an appointment here.
What to do next
If you’re not sure whether you’re due a diabetes review, or haven’t been contacted, get in touch with your practice. They can check when your last review was and help you book your next appointment.
Find your GP practice here.