A new diabetes diagnosis or the worry that you may have the disease can bring up a lot of questions about your diet, continuing health, symptoms and medication. At Mercyhealth, we hope to provide some peace of mind.
Although diabetes it is a lifelong disease, careful management can slow its progression. Our diabetes care staff specializes in diagnosing, treating and providing follow-up care for conditions related to diabetes.
Our team of dedicated doctors, nurses, diabetes educators and support staff do everything we can to help you manage your condition. From diabetes prevention and management to care for complications, we strive to give you the support you need. We welcome you as our newest, most important team member.
Checkups to get when you have diabetes
Diabetes checkups
Diabetes can cause complications from head to toe.
Find out when to get the tests you need.
Regular checkups and tests can help you avoid or delay complications from diabetes.*
Select to see how.
Eye exam
Every year*
High blood sugar combined with high blood pressure can cause retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. Regular eye exams can detect retinopathy before vision loss occurs.
Dental exam
Every 6 months*
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause gum disease. And gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
Blood pressure check
Every 3 to 6 months*
High blood pressure raises your risk for stroke, eye problems and heart disease. Controlling your blood pressure may help reduce your risk of these complications.
Cholesterol test
Every 5 years*
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which kill 2 out of 3 people with diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C test
At least twice a year*
An A1C test shows an average of your blood sugar levels over the last 2 to 3 months. This number can help your doctor determine if your current treatment plan is working.
Kidney tests
At least once a year*
High blood sugar or blood pressure can damage vessels in your kidneys. A Urine test looks for a protein called albumin, an early sign of kidney disease. And a blood test measures how well your kidneys are working.
Foot exam
Every 3 to 6 months*
Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, making it hard to know if you have blisters, calluses or cuts. Regular foot exams can help avoid infection.
*Ask your doctor how often you should have these tests.
Dial in your diabetes care
Dial in diabetes
Diabetes can be managed. Work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes—such as diet and exercise—and to keep your blood sugar in your target range.
Get more diabetes facts.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institutes of Health
Diabetes education program
Our certified diabetes educators help you find all of the answers. How can I manage my diabetes? What should I eat? What kind of prescriptions or insurance coverage will I require? Does my dad have diabetes? What if my child has diabetes?
Mercyhealth's certified diabetes educators can give you the tools to learn about the condition and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Managing diabetes can be difficult for some people without support and education. A referral from your doctor is required to see a diabetes educator.
Make an appointment
To make an appointment, find a diabetes specialist or diabetes educator, or call 888.396.3729.