Regular checks can help keep your diabetes under control

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist designed to help keep diabetes under control to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.  

If you have diabetes, your GP can help you manage your condition through a GP management plan which may allow you to receive a Medicare rebate when seeing some health professionals.  

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications

• As part of your daily diabetes management, you can undertake checks of your blood glucose levels (BGLs). Your GP will advise you what your BGL target is and how often you should test. The HbA1c test (also known as glycosylated haemoglobin) demonstrates an overall view of your blood glucose management average over the previous 10 to 12 weeks. Generally, 7 per cent or lower is ideal. This can be checked at least once a year, and up to four times a year.  

• It is also important your blood pressure is checked because high blood pressure can cause diabetes-related complications. For someone with diabetes, target blood pressure is less than 130/80. It should be checked regularly, at every doctors’ visit. 

• There is also an increased risk of damage to kidneys over time. A yearly urine microalbumin test can be used to detect early signs of kidney damage in people who are at risk of developing kidney disease.

• Having high cholesterol (blood fats-lipids) can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. It is best to have your lipids checked every 12 months. 

• Diabetes can cause complications to your eyes if left untreated. This damage can be prevented by keeping your BGL’s, HbA1c and blood pressure within target ranges. Have your eyes checked by an optometrist every one to two years or if you notice any change in your vision.

• Your feet can also be affected by your diabetes. Make sure to look for changes every day, and see a podiatrist at least once a year.

Chart to help you manage your condition

	Check	How  Often
	Foot assessment for high-risk feet	Every 1-3 months
	Foot assessment for moderate risk feet	Every 3-6 months
	Blood pressure	At least every 6 months
	Weight	At least every 6 months
	Waist circumference	At least every 6 months
	HbA1c	At least every 6-12 months
	Foot assessment for Very-low and low-risk feet	At least every year
	Kidney health	At least every year
	Blood fats	At least every year
	Healthy eating review	At least every year
	Physical activity review	At least every year
	Medication review	At least every year
	Smoking	At least every year
	Diabetes management	At least every year
	Eye examination	At least every two years
	Emotional health	As needed

You can find more information about other parts of the diabetes annual cycle of care at

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet | NDSS