Diabetes Care Schedule

People who have diabetes may consider this list to support diabetes self-care throughout the year.

Glucose monitoring

  • Ask your doctor for a prescription for glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device. Begin to check your glucose as directed by your doctor. Keep a record of your data and show this to your health care team at every visit.

Self-Care and Risk Reduction

  • Daily foot check – Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member for help. Let your doctor know immediately if you have cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other changes to the skin or nails.
  • Diabetes medications – Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you feel ill. Tell your doctor immediately if you have difficulty getting or taking your diabetes medications. 
  • Physical activity – Activity may lower blood sugar. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or biking is recommended. 
  • Healthy eating – Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need Avoid sweets and all sweetened beverages to help your blood sugar stay in your target range.

Every 3-4 Months or as recommended by your doctor 

  • A1C test – If your treatment has changed or if you’re having trouble meeting your blood sugar goals, have this test every 3-4 months. 
  • Doctor visit – If you’re having trouble meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 3 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. 
post it held over desk with health check written on it


Diabetes Education and Management

If you have questions about everyday diabetes care, ask your doctor about a referral for BayCare diabetes education and management where the sessions are covered by insurance. 

Diabetes Services
More Information

Every 6 Months

  • Dental exam –  Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year (more often if your doctor recommends), and let your dentist know that you have diabetes.
  • A1C test –  If you’re meeting your treatment and blood sugar goals, have this test every 6 months.
  • Doctor visit – If you’re meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 6 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Ask your doctor to check your feet at the session or if you have a foot problem.

Every 12 Months

  • Flu shot – Flu vaccination is especially important for people with diabetes because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. 
  • Kidney tests – Your doctor will order tests to monitor your kidneys for damage/disease. Ask your doctor to tell you about the results each year.
  • Cholesterol test – Your doctor will order a lipid panel that includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
  • Dilated eye exam – Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will provide this exam. You may need this exam more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems.
  • Complete foot check – Your doctor may need to do this foot check more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems.
  • Vaccine evaluation – Ask your doctor. You may benefit from a pneumonia, shingles or other vaccines depending on your age or date of last dose.
  • Hearing check – Ask your doctor. If you notice any hearing loss you will be referred to an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or a doctor who specializes in hearing problems.

If you have questions about everyday diabetes care, ask your doctor about a referral for BayCare diabetes education and management where the sessions are covered by insurance.