Diabetes and blood pressure: what regular care actually looks like
6 min read
Chronic conditions are managed in small, regular increments. The visits are short, but skipping them is how manageable numbers quietly become complications.
High blood pressure
Once treatment is stable, most people are reviewed every three to six months. Each visit checks blood pressure, medication tolerance and side effects, and periodically kidney function and electrolytes.
Home readings are more reliable than clinic readings. Take them seated, arm supported, twice in the morning and twice in the evening for a week before your appointment, and bring the log.
Diabetes
- A1C every three to six months depending on control
- Blood pressure and cholesterol at each review
- Kidney function and urine albumin annually
- Dilated eye exam annually or as advised by optometry
- Foot examination at least annually, more often with neuropathy
- Immunizations, including influenza and pneumococcal
Cholesterol and heart risk
Cholesterol is treated according to your overall cardiovascular risk, not the number alone. Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history all enter the calculation, and your physician can show you the estimate.
Making the visits count
Bring your home readings or glucose log, your current medication list, and one honest sentence about whether you are actually taking everything as prescribed. Adjustment is only possible with accurate information.
Ask what your targets are and write them down. Patients who know their own numbers reach them more often.
This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. For guidance about your own health, book a visit or call (519) 946-4954.