Having diabetes disposes you to a unique set of periodic check-ups, e.g. foot exams and kidney tests. (See Mark It On Your Calendar).Yet even if you don't have diabetes there are several screenings that health professionals recommend we all get as we age.
The US Dept. of Health and Human Services lists the following guidelines for men and women at average risk for most diseases:
Women's Screenings:
Screening Tests and Immunizations Guidelines for Women
Men's Screenings:
Screening Tests and Immunizations Guidelines for Men
If you're over 45 and never been diagnosed with diabetes, it's advisable to get your blood sugar checked at least every 3 years, or more frequently if any of the following conditions apply:
- You're overweight.
- You have a family history of diabetes.
- You live a sedentary lifestyle.
- You have a history of gestational diabetes.
- You've been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- You're a member of one of these ethnic groups: Hispanic/Latino, Native American, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander.
- You have any of these symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unusual hunger
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Poor healing of wounds
- Frequent urination
