A Diabetes Checklist to Help You Stay On Top
There are a lot of ‘to do’s’ when managing diabetes. This Diabetes Checklist can help you stay on top of them.
There are a lot of things to think about when managing your diabetes, and it can be hard to keep track. That’s where this Diabetes Checklist comes in. Use it to help remind you what you need to do daily, yearly and when you see your healthcare team – get tips for testing and taking your medication. Be sure to talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions.
What to do daily:
What to do when you see your healthcare team:
What to do once a year*:
* Note: Your physician may request that you have these tests more frequently than once a year. Consult your healthcare team if you have any questions.
Daily testing tips:
Tips to remember to take your medication:
- Test your blood glucose, as recommended by your healthcare team
- Take your medicines as directed [see tips below]
- Follow your diabetes care plan for meals and exercise
- Check your feet for sores
- Check your mouth for swelling, tenderness or bleeding gums
- Bring your blood glucose logbook so your healthcare team can see how you’ve been doing
- Ask about your A1C level and what your goal should be for your next visit
- Have your doctor do a visual check of your feet
- Have your blood pressure checked
- Have your medication(s) reviewed. Sometimes, the dose or type may need to be changed
- Review your meal and exercise plans
- Have your cholesterol and triglycerides checked
- Have your urine checked for protein (microalbumin screen) and a blood test for serum creatinine. This tests how your kidneys are functioning
- Visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam
- Have your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor) do a foot exam to check for loss of feeling
- Wash your hands with soap and water; pat dry
- Make sure your test strips haven’t expired
- Fill the test strip completely with blood, avoiding smearing.
- Log your results
- Try pairing it with a daily activity, like brushing your teeth or the evening news (depending on when you need to take it)
- Set recurring reminders on your smartphone
- Keep your medication(s) in plain view so you’re reminded to take it
- Ask family members to remind you