Diabetes annual cycle of care

Taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference in managing your well-being throughout the year!

The table below shows the recommended checks and how often they should be done for all people living with diabetes.

Diabetes annual cycle of care schedule

Additional checks and reviews

There are some checks that are not officially on the annual cycle of care list but are important just the same. These are:

• Liver checks - FIB 4 calculation.
  •  This can be calculated by your doctor using your blood test results and your current age. The calculation gives an initial assessment of your liver health and will determine if you need further testing
• Dental and gum health checks
  • People with diabetes are more likely to have gum and tooth problems. It is important to see your dentist regularly. Current recommendations are 6-monthly check-ups. For more information read the Looking after your dental health fact sheet.
• Immunisation
  • Illness can affect your diabetes and often raises blood glucose levels. People with diabetes are more likely to need care in hospital when sick. However, you can help to reduce your risk of becoming very sick with the flu, pneumonia and Covid by having the following vaccinations:
    • Influenza vaccine - helps prevent the flu and is a free annual vaccination for all people living with diabetes.
    • Pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia and is free for:
      - all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or over (3 doses in total)
      - all people aged 70 years or over (1 dose)
    • COVID-19 vaccination and booster are available for all adults. Current eligibility guidelines include:
      - Adults aged 18-64 are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.
      - Adults 65 years to 74 years are recommended for a booster every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 months
      - Over 75 years are recommended for a booster every 6 months
      Teenagers and children who are in good health (not severely immunocompromised or with multiple medical conditions) do not currently need a booster dose, due to the low incidence of severe illness in this group.

Sick day plans

All people with diabetes need a sick day action plan. The plan outlines what to do with medications and/or insulin during illness, when and how often to check glucose levels and when to seek help. Illness often causes a rise in your stress hormones, and this can cause your glucose levels to rise.

Your diabetes educator or doctor should include sick day education along with a written action plan, and this plan should be reviewed annually or earlier if needed. Here are some fact sheets on what to do if you are sick with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Emotional health

Diabetes can be tough to live with and many people living with diabetes go through periods of feeling anxious, distressed or burnt out. Looking after your emotional health is important, and it’s a good idea to do check how you are currently feeling. If you are experiencing any of the above - talk with your doctor about how to access support. Your doctor can organise a Mental Health Care Plan which gives you subsidised visits to a psychologist where you can talk about how you’re feeling, what your needs are and possible treatments.

For more information: https://www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/health-management/mental-health/

Management plan to access diabetes health professionals

Your doctor can also arrange a mental health care plan helping you understand the link between your body and your mind.

Finally, your GP can provide you with an annual chronic disease management plan, which allows you to access other diabetes health professionals, such as a diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, exercise physiologist and/or podiatrist. 

These visits are eligible for a Medicare rebate. 

For more information on diabetes care talk to your GP, credentialled diabetes educator, or practice nurse. Diabetes complications can be treated if detected early and some can even be reversed. Make your health a priority and plan your diabetes health checks early.