What things are monitored in diabetes?

Blood sugar balance

• The results of blood sugar self-monitoring and their utilization

• Intensified monitoring before the meeting

• Use of glucose sensor and the related statistics

• Glycated haemoglobin HbA1c

Insulin therapy

• Is there any problems with injecting insulin or implementing insulin therapy?

• The scope of injection sites and rotation

• Condition of the injection sites? Are there any calluses or swelling?

• How often there are hypos?

• Has there been low blood sugars where you have required help from another person?

Other medication

• Is the current medication appropriate?

• Is there any issues with using the medication?

Weight

• Weight and weight development

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• The individual waistline

Blood pressure

• Blood pressure measurement at the appointment

• Determining the blood pressure level using self-measurements at home

  • Checking your blood pressure twice a day at 6–9 a.m. and at 6–9 p.m. on at least four days.

• If blood pressure medication is in use, determining Serum Potassium and Serum Sodium

Diet

• Eating rhythm, normal meal times and eating

• Reconciling food and drug/insulin treatment

• If necessary, a food diary

Exercise

• Types and times of exercise per week

• Reconciling exercise and medication/insulin treatment

• If necessary, and exercise diary and plan

Alcohol

• How many units of alcohol per week?

Smoking

• Encouragement to quit smoking

• If necessary, support for quitting

Mood and coping

• Is there symptoms of

  • depression or anxiety?

  • care fatigue?

  • other psychological issues?

• Is there a need for additional support for coping?

Fatmetabolism

• Blood fat levels (cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides)

Heart

• Physical fitness

• Pulse, listening to heart sounds and, if necessary, major blood vessels

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Strain imaging in the case of suspected coronary artery disease

• Heart/chest x-ray and cardiac ultrasound in the case of suspected heart failure

Feet

• Posture, skin, nails, nerves, blood circulation

• Assessing the risk category of feet

Eyes

• Eyesight

• Fundus photography or an examination by an eye specialist

Kidneys and urine

• Protein in urine (albuminuria)

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

• Clean urine sample in the case of infection symptoms

Mouth

• Teeth and mouth self-care guidance

• A dentist or dental hygienist’s examination

Sexual health

• Are there any issues regarding which you would like to get advice or treatment?

Other diseases / problems

• Blood samples, individually:

  • Coeliac disease screening

  • Operation of the thyroid gland

  • Operation of the liver

  • B12 vitamin, if you are a long-term metformin user or if you have anaemia or nervous symptoms

Driving health

• If you have a driving licence, are the health requirements pertaining to the vehicle class met?

• Group 1 driving licence every 5 years at the minimum

• Group 2 driving licence every 3 years at the minimum

• If necessary, a doctor’s certificate for a driving licence

Medication reimbursements and social security

• Kela reimbursement for the medication used – do you qualify for special reimbursement?

• Are you entitled to a disability allowance?

• Is a social worker’s report required?

Worklife

• What kind of effect does diabetes have on your ability to work?

• How well do you manage to treat diabetes at work?

Memory functions

• Memory tests in the case of suspected memory disorder

Rehabilitation

• Is there need for an adaptation course for intensified guidance and support?

• Is rehabilitation required?