Diabetes and You

Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, although more than one-third don’t know they have it. Diabetes often comes with other health risks, including heart, kidney, and eye disease. 
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes the tests needed each year to monitor the disease are the same. A1c, kidney health tests, retinal eye exams, and BP checks. It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider about statin use to control cholesterol levels and to do frequent mental health check-ins. 

A1c – a blood test that measures your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.

- How often? Once every 6 months or per Healthcare provider’s request. 

- Target: less than 7% is recommended but should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

eGFR – estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a blood test that checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. 

- How often? Once a year and your target is 80 or higher.

uACR – urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, is a urine test to check for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged. 

- How often? Once a year. 

- Target: less than 30 mg/g of urine creatinine.

Retinal Eye Exam – Can be a dilated exam or a digital photo using a special camera and should be done by an eye care professional to check for diabetic eye disease, including retinopathy.

- How often? Every two years unless eye disease is found then yearly.

Blood Pressure – Controlled blood pressure cuts your risk of heart disease, stroke, and harm to your kidneys. Your doctor can help make a plan to control your blood pressure with lifestyle changes or medication, if necessary. 

- How often? Visit your doctor often to check your blood pressure, along with other key tests. 

- Target: most people with diabetes should aim to keep their blood pressure below 140/90. 

Statin medication - Statins are prescription drugs that lower your “bad” cholesterol. Studies have shown that statins can lower your chances of a heart attack up to 37%. Keep taking this medication as your doctor has prescribed. If you are not currently taking a statin, please talk to your doctor about whether you should.

Mental Health Check-in - With diabetes, feeling physically good is half the battle. Feeling mentally good is the other half. It is important to pay attention to your feelings about having diabetes. Addressing how you feel is important as unaddressed mental health stressors may lead to depression. If you feel like you might be depressed, talk with your doctor, a counselor, therapist, social worker, or call the Intermountain Behavioral Health Navigation line at 833-442-2211; 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week to talk to someone who can help you access the right resources.

Make An Appointment

Don’t delay – schedule an appointment to meet with your provider today. Or if you need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment, call SelectHealth Member Advocates at 800-515-2220.