Contributed by – Healthians Team
Over 60% of medical diagnoses are made on history and physical examination and the remainder on an investigation. Whether this maxim is true or not, is open to debate but it is obvious that history and examination are the focal points of understanding illnesses and their ill-effects. Hence, if you are suffering from diabetes or have symptoms of the same then an insight into exactly what your doctor is looking for will make the experience a pleasant one for you both.
Adhere to the diabetic checkup list if you are diabetic or even if you are showing some early signs of being diabetic like:
- Sudden weight loss
- Extreme thirst
- Feeling tired all the time
- Feeling very hungry, even after eating
- Difficulty seeing
- Urinating more often than usual
Or
- Patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease
- People who have a family history of diabetes
- Those who are not physically active
- Females with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
If you decide to get a diabetes checkup either consult your doctor or contact us right away. The doctor shall take a brief history of you and examine you. The examination shall include the following:
- Inquire about your self-monitoring of blood sugar.
- Inquire about frequency and severity of episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
- Check your body weight.
- Measure your blood pressure levels.
- Carefully examine your legs and feet for sores.
- Inquire about your any medication.
- Reply to queries about the disease and educate you about self-care.
- Check on any diabetic complications, including symptoms of nerve damage such as numbness.
- Inquire about your use of tobacco and/or alcohol.
- Inquire about any lifestyle changes and discuss the consequences.
- Speak to you about probable stress, sadness, depression, or other psychological concerns.
- Inquire about your exercise and eating habits.
- Follow up on anything irregular from prior physical examinations.
Physical Examination for Diabetes
The doctor might examine the following in detail if he suspects some diabetic damage in your body depending on the severity of free glucose levels in the body.
Eye Examination
Doctors, who find anything irregular, refer patients to an ophthalmologist skilled in treating diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eyes). Anybody above the age of thirteen suffering with Type 1 diabetes since last 4 years should see an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. People with type 2 diabetes should have a thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after being diagnosed. The frequency of eye examination by your eye doctor may be reduced if you don’t have any problems with your eyes.
Foot Examination
Your doctor will check the pulses in your feet and your reflexes at least once a year. Your doctor should also look for:
- Calluses
- Infections
- Sores
- Loss of sensation anywhere in your feet (peripheral neuropathy)
If you have had foot ulcers before, see your doctor every 3 to 6 months.
Dental Examination
Research show that people with diabetes are at higher risk of oral health problems and serious gum diseases because they are more prone to bacterial infection due to the decreased ability to fight bacteria that infect the gums. Hence, twice a year, opt for a complete dental examination.
Annual Medical Checklist
- A general physical examination
- A comprehensive examination of the feet
- A comprehensive examination of the eyes
- Check urine for protein, a sign of kidney damage
- Maintain a record height as well as weight
- Measure cholesterol and other fats levels in the blood
Keeping a check on various health meters not only helps you achieve the desirable medical levels soon but also supports you in leading a healthier life.
