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When you have diabetes, you need to worry about other health conditions, too. The longer you have the disease — into your 50s and beyond — the greater you are at risk for problems with your feet, your vision, your heart, your kidneys, and more.

This is why it’s crucial to see your doctor often: He’ll make sure that you have your diabetes under control, and he’ll see if other health problems are cropping up. You’ll probably need to visit his office every 3 months unless he tells you to come less often. (Some people who have their diabetes well under control may only need to visit the doctor every 6 months.)

These tests will help make sure you aren’t at risk of further health problems:

Blood Sugar Test

Your doctor needs to know how well you control your blood sugar levels. He’ll give you an A1c test, which shows your average over the past 3 months. If you have it under control, he may only need to do this test every 6 months. If you’re still getting there, you’ll need to be tested every 3 months. You should aim for an A1c level around 7% or less to avoid more health problems.

Get it done: Every 3 to 6 months

Blood Pressure Check

People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which raises your chances of getting heart disease. Your doctor should check your blood pressure at every office visit. If it’s too high, he may suggest lifestyle changes or prescribe a drug to help lower it. You want your readings to be below 140/90.

Get it done: Every time you see your doctor

Weight

If you’re overweight, your doctor may talk to you about your diet and exercise plan. Those extra pounds can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease. It doesn’t have to be a drastic change; your health can improve if you lose even 10 or 15 pounds.

Read more about, Getting older and what test to take when seeing your Doctor on WebMD.

Get it done: Every time you see your doctor