Better Diabetes Health : Easy as 1, 2, 3

If you’re living with diabetes, there are three tests that are important to managing your disease and maintaining your health :

1.  A blood test that measures sugar control (called HbA1C)
This test needs to be done at least every 6 months.

2.  A blood test that measures your “bad” cholesterol (called LDL-C)
This test needs to be done at least every 12 months.

3.  A painless test that looks at the blood vessels in your eyes
This test needs to be done at least every 24 months.

If you – or someone close to you – has diabetes and are not sure whether you have had these three tests, talk to the doctor providing your diabetes care.

To help ensure you receive these tests regularly, a Diabetes Testing Report – with the dates of when you last had these three tests – will be sent from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to your doctor or nurse practitioner in Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics.

People who receive these tests are better able to manage their diabetes and avoid complications. Watch your dates and get your tests regularly.

In addition to these three key tests, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and have your feet checked by your doctor at least once a year.