1. Why is it important to screen for complications of Type 1 Diabetes?

Screening for risk factors and complications starts at diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. It’s important to understand that screening is highly necessary because detecting complications at an early stage allows for actions to help slow their progression.
Learn how often you need to be screened for diabetes complications and what you can expect from each test and screening.

2. Screening every 3 months.

Your diabetes care team needs to check more regularly:

• Weight & Height in order to follow if you are maintaining a healthy weight
• HbA1c test: HbA1c is your average blood glucose level for the last past 3 months. It’s important to make sure it is under 7.5% (58 mmol/L)

Many health facilities are not able to provide regular HbA1c tests for all people with Type 1 Diabetes. You should try to get an HbA1c test at least once a year.

3. Yearly screening.

Your diabetes care team will provide you an appointment to check the most common complications and will advise more frequent testing and interventions if they discover any problems.

• Blood pressure in order to check any hypertension which can affect your blood vessel and your heart
• Eye screening: your visual acuity will be checked and if there is any development of retinopathy, cataract, or glaucoma
• Foot screening: your feet will be checked in details with questions and physical examination
• Kidney function: from an urine and blood sample, your albumin and creatinine levels will be analysed to measure how well your kidneys are working
• Blood lipid: from a blood test your cholesterol level will be analysed to make sure the levels are normal

HelloType1 content is based on published, internationally recognised guidelines and then reviewed by local experts to ensure it fits local context. The translation is based on simplified English language to ensure it conveys the safest and clearest possible message in regional languages. Basic insulin and blood glucose testing access is still an issue in the South-East Asia region and our chief aim is to address this. HelloType1 content is not intended to replace the advice of individual healthcare professionals but as a collaborative tool to help them improve the outcomes of disadvantaged people with Type 1 Diabetes in the region.