Diabetes Care Schedule
People who have diabetes may consider this list to support diabetes self-care throughout the year.
Glucose monitoring
- Ask your doctor for a prescription for glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device. Begin to check your glucose as directed by your doctor. Keep a record of your data and show this to your health care team at every visit.
Self-Care and Risk Reduction
- Daily foot check – Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet or ask a family member for help. Let your doctor know immediately if you have cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other changes to the skin or nails.
- Diabetes medications – Take the amount prescribed by your doctor, even when you feel ill. Tell your doctor immediately if you have difficulty getting or taking your diabetes medications.
- Physical activity – Activity may lower blood sugar. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or biking is recommended.
- Healthy eating – Eat healthy foods that give you the nutrition you need Avoid sweets and all sweetened beverages to help your blood sugar stay in your target range.
Every 3-4 Months or as recommended by your doctor
- A1C test – If your treatment has changed or if you’re having trouble meeting your blood sugar goals, have this test every 3-4 months.
- Doctor visit – If you’re having trouble meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 3 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed.

Diabetes Education and Management
If you have questions about everyday diabetes care, ask your doctor about a referral for BayCare diabetes education and management where the sessions are covered by insurance.
Every 6 Months
- Dental exam – Get your teeth and gums cleaned at least once a year (more often if your doctor recommends), and let your dentist know that you have diabetes.
- A1C test – If you’re meeting your treatment and blood sugar goals, have this test every 6 months.
- Doctor visit – If you’re meeting your treatment goals, visit your doctor every 6 months. Your blood pressure and weight will be checked and your self-care plan and medicines will be reviewed. Ask your doctor to check your feet at the session or if you have a foot problem.
Every 12 Months
- Flu shot – Flu vaccination is especially important for people with diabetes because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
- Kidney tests – Your doctor will order tests to monitor your kidneys for damage/disease. Ask your doctor to tell you about the results each year.
- Cholesterol test – Your doctor will order a lipid panel that includes low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
- Dilated eye exam – Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will provide this exam. You may need this exam more often if you have diabetes-related eye problems.
- Complete foot check – Your doctor may need to do this foot check more often if you have ever had diabetes-related foot problems.
- Vaccine evaluation – Ask your doctor. You may benefit from a pneumonia, shingles or other vaccines depending on your age or date of last dose.
- Hearing check – Ask your doctor. If you notice any hearing loss you will be referred to an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or a doctor who specializes in hearing problems.
If you have questions about everyday diabetes care, ask your doctor about a referral for BayCare diabetes education and management where the sessions are covered by insurance.