Exams and Tests
Routine tests
Routine tests for type 1 diabetes include a hemoglobin A1c or similar test (glycosylated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin) that estimates your average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months. It helps monitor blood sugar control after treatment has started.
You need to see your doctor about every 3 to 6 months throughout your life for exams and tests to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment.
For more information, see the schedule for exams and tests beginning at diagnosis.
After you have had diabetes for 3 to 5 years, you will need annual tests to watch for signs of damage to your eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), heart, blood vessels, and nerves (diabetic neuropathy). If your child has diabetes, this testing should begin at puberty.
Other tests
You may need a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed and then every 1 to 2 years. This test checks for thyroid problems, which are common among people with diabetes.
If you are very ill
You may have found out that you have type 1 diabetes when your insulin levels dropped very low and you were admitted to a hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The following tests were likely used to diagnose and monitor treatment of ketoacidosis. You may have these tests again if you develop DKA in the future.
- Chemistry screen, arterial blood gases, and other blood tests, to check your blood sugar (glucose) level, levels of electrolytes in the blood, other potential causes of acidosis, and general state of health
- Urinalysis, to check whether high amounts of ketones and sugar (glucose) are in your urine
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