What are the routine laboratory tests that I will have to do and how often?

There are a number of laboratory tests that are recommended for all our diabetics:

A, Blood sugars should be checked fasting regularly and at least every 2-3months,

B, A routine glycosylated haemoglobin, HbA1c, should be preformed every 3 months or 6 months (see next question),

C, A blood urea and electrolytes together with a serum creatinine should be done every 6 months or in the presence of hypertension or possible renal impairment every 2-3 months,

D, Fasting cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoproteins should be performed every 3months,

E, Full blood count with haemoglobin level if renal impairment is suspected.

F,Urine for microalbumin should be performed once every year and repeated if positive.

What is the glycosylated haemoglobin, HbA1c?

This is an important and invaluable test which gives us an average of the blood sugar level in the previous two months.

It is a good measure of past prevailing blood sugars and it involves an attachment of glucose to haemoglobin and if the life span of the red blood cells are normal, its value is only dependent on the glucose levels only.

This test would allow doctors to adjust or modify treatment strategies as to optimize the patient outcome.

Patients would need to have the test done every three months if treatment targets are not met or every six months if targets are met.