www.phs.org/Medicaid 9 If you have diabetes, it’s important to get certain tests and exams every year to protect your body from heart disease; stroke; and eye, foot, or kidney problems. Keeping up with diabetes care can help you and your provider find any changes early and take steps to help you keep your diabetes under control. Here are a few important health checks you may need this year. Make sure to talk to your provider about which tests are right for you and how often you should have them. 1 A1C test. Also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1C test, this is a simple blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This test helps keep track of how well your diabetes is under control. How often you need it: Every three to six months. Your provider will recommend what is best for you. 2 Dilated eye exam. This is to protect your vision. Unlike a routine eye exam, this exam looks for damage to your eyes caused by high blood sugar. Having high blood sugar levels for a long time can hurt the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eyes. This can cause serious eye diseases resulting in cloudy or blurry vision and eventually loss of vision. How often you need it: Once a year. More resources Engage in resources, classes, and events available through Presbyterian Community Health: www.phs.org/community/ committed-to-community-health/programs. Earn $20 in Turquoise Rewards for completing a diabetes retinal eye exam. Centennial Rewards became Turquoise Rewards on July 1, 2024. Check out all the 2024 and 2025 Turquoise Rewards here: www.turquoiserewards.com. Find tips, resources, and more through the American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes/ more-about-diabetes. Self-manage diabetes with routine lab tests and exams 3 Kidney health evaluation. This is a urine test and a blood test done together to check kidney health. Finding and treating chronic kidney disease early can stop or slow kidney damage. How often you need it: Once a year. Healthy living with diabetes requires keeping up with these recommended tests and exams. There are many ways to manage your health every day. Monitor your blood glucose, eat well, engage in physical activity, and take medications as prescribed. You should also get recommended screenings and minimize risk-taking behaviors.
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