When you see your physician, make sure you are staying in good health. If you have diabetes, this means you should make sure you are managing the condition with ongoing checkups and routine tests. Important tests include:

• Foot inspection/exam. Inspect your feet every day for signs of redness, warmth, swelling or calluses. Check for wounds or cuts that do not heal over time. You should also have your feet inspected by your physician during every visit and have a complete sensory foot exam done every year.
• Dilated retinal (eye) exam. People who have diabetes should have a dilated retinal examination every year. Remember that this is a special eye exam that is not the same as having your vision checked for glasses.
• Urinary protein/microalbumin test. Measuring your urinary protein will help you and your physician learn about the health of your kidneys and blood vessels. You should have an annual test for urine protein/albumin if you have type 2 diabetes or have had type 1 diabetes for more than five years.
• Cholesterol test. You should have a cholesterol test every year or more often if your diabetes is not well-controlled.