DIABETES FLOW SHEET

The highlighted boxes represent the frequency, in months, that I generally recommend the listed tests and clinical examinations be performed. Please note that like most things in medicine there is no absolutely "right" way to do things and not all people with diabetes have the same requirements.

Test/Procedure
Month*
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
A1C                        
Fasting blood glucose**                        
Fasting cholesterol-total**                        
Fasting cholesterol-HDL**                        
Fasting cholesterol-LDL**                        
Fasting triglycerides**                        
Sodium                        
Potassium                        
Creatinine                        
eGFR                        
Calcium                        
Albumin                        
Vitamin B12                        
TSH                        
Complete Blood Count                        
Urinalysis                        
Urine albumin/creatinine ratio (urine ACR)                        
EKG***                        
                         
Blood pressure measurement                        
Weight measurement (and calculated BMI)                        
Dilated eye examination                        
Inspection of injection sites (if on insulin)                        
Thyroid palpation                        
Testing sensation of feet (using 10g monofilament)                        
                         
Influenza vaccination                        

*The numbers refer to general, not specific months of the year (i.e., "1" does not necessarily mean "January").
** If you are on insulin or some oral hypoglycemic agents, fasting for more than 8 hours may not be appropriate. "Fasting blood glucose" in this table refers to a blood glucose drawn from a vein in your arm at a lab.
***Annual EKG's are usually not necessary in young, otherwise healthy individuals.