(This storycan also help you navigate making medical appointments right now.)
Heres what they said.
1. peek if you need an A1C test.
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The higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar levels have been.)
Generally, people with diabetes get an A1C test at least twice a year.
Keep up with your preventive screenings if you could.
Speaking to your doctor can help you decide on the best time to get tested.
Ask your doctor if you oughta come in to get it checked.
See your dentist if you have signs of gum disease.
While were talking about preventive measures, we cant ignorecaring for your teeth and gums.
I typically recommend all patients, including diabetics, get a twice-yearly dental evaluation and cleaning.
If their teeth are in good order, this could be delayed during the pandemic, he tells SELF.
Perform regular foot checks.
Sometimes you might get a cut or ablister on your footand not realize its there.
Unfortunately, that small wound can become infected and have trouble healing due to nerve damage and poor circulation.
This is why its extremely important to regularly look at your feet, according to Dr. Kirkley.
Ask your doctor if you need a dilated eye exam.
When was the last time you had acomprehensive eye examwhere your eyes were dilated?
This is another preventive measure that you may have overlooked because of the pandemic.
Often, until it gets into the late stage, it does not have any symptoms.
Its the number one cause of vision loss in working-age Americans todaythe leading cause.
This is why eye exams are so important when you have diabetes.
Treatment can vary depending on how advanced your case is.
With early detection and early treatment, it’s possible for you to largely prevent blindness and vision loss.
That is why it is so crucial to be evaluated regularly, Dr. Weng says.
Given our current situation, it may have been more than a year since your last dilated eye exam.
If so, she recommends scheduling an appointment just to be safe.
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as youre able to.
I do think that the vaccine is safe, he says.
The last year has been tough, and managing a chronic condition during this time isnt easy.
Living with diabetes is like running a marathon, not a sprint, says Dr. Mathur.
Its the long-term planning and goals that will make all the difference.
