Diabetes comes in two types. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Type 2 diabetes is much more common and usually develops in people who are overweight or obese. If you've been diagnosed recently with type 2 diabetes, you may need to work with your doctor to get your blood sugar under control and visit him or her more often than you used to. See how often you may need to see your doctor and why these visits are so important.

How Often Do You Need to Visit Your Doctor?

During the early stages after diagnosis, you may need to see your doctor every few weeks until you feel comfortable with your lifestyle changes and medications. If you are able to manage your blood sugar levels well, your doctor may decide that you don't need as many appointments.

Instead of annual physicals, you may need to start seeing your doctor two to four times a year. People who are taking pills or dieting to manage their diabetes should see their doctor for visits about every 4 for 6 months while people who are taking insulin shots should see their doctor at least every 3 to 4 months.

What Will Your Doctor Do at These Check-ups?

Every doctor will be different, but in general, your physician will want to run tests to make sure your diabetes isn't causing more serious complications. He or she may check your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and feet to make sure you are staying healthy.

Blood Sugar Levels

Normally, the body produces a hormone called insulin which helps to move sugar from the bloodstream into other tissues of the body. Because Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant, they can have extremely high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause symptoms like fatigue, increased thirst, and headaches. In addition, prolonged high blood sugar can cause nerve damage, kidney damage, retina damage, and even be fatal.

Cholesterol Levels

People with diabetes are more prone to high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in cells that help your body digest foods, make hormones, and make vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol is bad because it can increase the risk of fatty deposits in blood vessels, putting you at risk for heart disease. Diabetics don't necessarily need a cholesterol profile at every appointment, but it is a good test to have every few years.

Blood Pressure

Diabetics with high blood pressure are at risk for circulation problems, eye problems, and kidney problems. Your doctor may check your blood pressure at each visit so that he or she can have a good idea of your normal ranges.

Feet

Because diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy—a condition that damages nerves in the extremities—patients often get ulcers and injuries on their feet without realizing it. Your doctor will check your feet for injury and for foot problems like bunions, calluses, ingrown toenails, etc. If your feet are exhibiting these symptoms, then your doctor can refer you to a podiatrist.

As you can see, there are lots of important tests and exams that your doctor needs to conduct to make sure your diabetes isn't making you prone to worse conditions and diseases. Contact a doctor's office in your area to learn more.