A dilated eye exam is also a. Other Diabetes Tests that Patients Should Have Leave a reply There are more tests outside of blood glucose monitoring that people suffering from diabetes need to keep in mind. The trouble is that even if patients know all too well that complications are preventable, some of them neglect to submit themselves to key diabetes tests before it € too late. One important test is the hemoglobin a1c test, or HbA1c, which provides information on how well diabetes is managed over time by measuring the average blood sugar in the previous 3 months to see if it has stayed within range. HbA1c testing is rather convenient, as there are home testing kits available.

Aside from managing the disease itself, these tests contribute greatly towards the prevention of complications that may arise as a result of having diabetes. Beyond that, it means that the disease is poorly managed. Ask your doctor about the ideal frequency of HbA1c testing for you. Most doctors would recommend having one every 3 to 6 months.

The normal HbA1c level is 5% or less; diabetes patients should ideally aim for a reading that is below 7%.