Living with Diabetes

In the past, most people saw a doctor only when they were sick. But we’ve learned that maintaining good health requires a proactive approach.

Everyone at every age needs to be concerned with getting good nutrition and exercise and should see a doctor on a regular basis.

Doctors for Different Life Stages

Pediatrician — These are doctors who care for children from birth to early adulthood. Pediatricians are trained to understand the unique needs of children.

Primary Care Physician — This is usually the first doctor you see for any health care issue. They treat illnesses, provide preventive care and recommend specialists when necessary.

Internist — These are doctors of internal medicine who focus on adult medicine and have had special study and training in the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.

Gynecologist — Often called an obstetrician/gynecologist or OB/GYN, this is a doctor who specializes in women’s health, specifically the female reproductive system. Most gynecologists are also obstetricians, physicians who care for women through pregnancy and childbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that teenage girls first visit an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15.

Geriatrician or Geriatric Specialist — These are physicians who specialize in the care of older adults.

Routine Checkups and Vaccines

Checkups for Children
Your doctor will suggest a schedule for your newborn’s well-baby checkups, beginning in the first or second week and again at one, two and four months. After these baby checkupsDSV, routine exams should occur quarterly from 6 through 18 months. At two years, your child should begin receiving annual checkups.

Immunizations begin right after birth and continue throughout the first two years. Booster shots are usually given between ages 4 and 6. Older children and teens also need vaccinations, which may be required for school.

Checkups for People in Their 20s and 30s
Sure you feel great, but regular checkups, including the following procedures, are necessary to keep you feeling great.

• Body Mass Index (BMI) — Calculated from height and weight. Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is essential for maintaining good health.
• Blood Glucose (Sugar) — Find out if you are at high risk for diabetes. If not, no test is needed at this time.
• Blood Pressure — Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious trouble with your heart, brain or kidneys. Ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. People should take action to lower their blood pressure if their systolic pressure is high, i.e. greater than 140 mmHg.
• Cholesterol — Every five years (or more often if you are on treatment for high cholesterol or as recommended by your doctor).
• Colon Cancer Testing —Find out if you are at higher risk for colon cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.
• Search for Moles — Your doctor should examine you for moles or skin cancers once every three years.
• Vision — An eye exam should be performed every 1- 2 years. Vision problems could be early signs of serious diseases such as diabetes. People with diabetes should have an annual eye exam through dilated pupils.

For Women in Their 20s and 30s:

• Breast Exam — A clinical breast exam should be done every three years.
• Mammogram — Find out if you are at higher risk for breast cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.
• Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing) — Every one to two years, depending on the type of test you get and past results.

For Men in Their 20s and 30s:

• Prostate Cancer Testing — Find out if you are at higher risk for prostate cancer. If not, then no test is needed at this time.

Checkups for People in Their 40s and Older
These are the basic tests you should ask for to see how healthy you are, and what eeds to be done to get healthier.

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Blood Glucose (Sugar) — Under 45, ask your doctor. Starting at age 45, have your fasting blood glucose checked every three years to determine your risk for diabetes.
• Blood Pressure — Should be checked at every regular health care visit.
• Cholesterol — Have this checked every five years (or more often if you are on treatment for high cholesterol).
• Colon Cancer Testing — Starting at age 50. Talk with your doctor about which tests are best for you and how frequently tests should be done.
• Look for Moles — Most skin cancers are curable if found early.
• Vision Checkup — Between the ages of 41-60 an eye exam should be performed every two years. If you’re over the age of 60, an eye exam should be performed every year. People with diabetes should have an annual eye exam through dilated pupils.

For Women in Their 40s and Older:

• Breast exam — A clinical breast exam should be done every year.
• Mammogram — Every year.
• Pap Test (Cervical Cancer Testing) — Every one to three years, depending on the type of test you get and past results.

For Men in Their 40s and Older:

• Prostate Cancer Testing
• Ages 40-49 years: African American men and all men who have an immediate family member with prostate cancer should begin yearly prostate cancer testing at age 45.
• Over 50 years: You should have yearly testing.

Adult Vaccines
By the time you reach adulthood you should have received these vaccines. If you’re not sure which vaccines you’ve had, talk to your doctor.

• Td (tetanus/diphtheria)
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• IPV (polio)

Adult Booster Shots

• Tetanus/diphtheria — every 10 years
• Flu Vaccine — every year for adults over 50 (and a good idea for all adults). The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults with diabetes — even pregnant women — should get a yearly flu shot.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine — adults over 65 need it once, followed by a revaccination five years later. Adults with diabetes should receive this vaccination.

If you have certain medical conditions or travel to certain parts of the world, your doctor may recommend additional vaccines.

Planning for a Healthy Life

• Diabetes and How It Affects You
• A Healthier You
• Keeping Your Family Healthy
• Safe at Home
• Your Financial Health
• Planning for Your Later Years
• Tough Decisions Made Easier