Become part of a team who are dedicated to enhancing and connecting primary healthcare to achieve better health outcomes for the South Western Sydney community.
Find your next South Western Sydney general practice career or practice for sale.
Practice vacancy ad request form
Practice for sale form
Understanding the Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care
The annual cycle of care is a checklist to help you reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Your GP can help you manage your diabetes through a GP management plan, which may include referrals to services with a Medicare rebate.
Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels (BGLs)
As part of your daily diabetes management, you can undertake checks of your blood glucose levels (BGLs). Your GP can advise you on your BGL target and how often you should test.
Importance of HbA1c testing
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% or lower is ideal. This test should be done at least once a year, and up to four times a year.
Regular blood pressure checks
It is important that 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 at every GP visit.
Kidney function monitoring
There is an increased risk of kidney damage over time. This can be tested through a yearly urine test to detect microalbumin.
Managing cholesterol levels
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.
Eye health and diabetes
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 the target range.
Foot care for diabetes
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.
Find more information about other parts of the Diabetes Annual Cycle of Care on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) website: Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet | NDSS
| 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 |
For more information, speak to your GP.