Calendar management: Scheduling regular T1D care and health checks

If you live with type 1 diabetes (t1d), you likely see doctors more frequently than the average person. Using a calendar management system can be helpful to track these appointments, as well as remind you to schedule screenings to detect early or ongoing health concerns and make sure you're up to date on vaccinations.

While attending ongoing medical appointments can feel like a time-consuming activity, preventive healthcare can result in lower healthcare expenses and help you live a more active and healthy life. Establishing trusted relationships with healthcare providers gives you access to care when you need it. Plus, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to manage unexpected situations with ease.

Use this guideline for regular health checks as a starting point to create a yearly examination schedule and a t1d action plan with your healthcare team. By becoming an advocate for your health, you can help ensure you will be at your best for your family and in all areas of life.

Use a calendar or checklist to monitor daily self-care

Monitoring daily self-care by using a calendar or checklist helps provide valuable information to your doctor. Whether you use a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), it's important to understand how blood sugar levels vary each day before and after meals. By tracking this information, you can easily share it with your healthcare providers to maintain your health.

In addition, make sure you have systems and plans in place for reordering and remembering to take medications. Using a calendar can help you keep track of all of the moving parts that come with t1d.

Other daily care routines to add to a checklist include brushing and flossing teeth, skin care (including checking your feet), monitoring weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and participating in activities that support mental well-being. If you notice a new health concern or a current issue worsening, call your doctor immediately to discuss next steps.

3-month checkups

Routine three-month medical appointments are an opportunity to discuss overall health and blood sugar readings with your doctor. Other monitoring may include A1C levels, weight, blood pressure, and a urine protein test. In addition, if medications have changed, been added, or been discontinued, a physician may order bloodwork to monitor changes in kidney or other body functions.

You may also consider scheduling an appointment with a nurse diabetes educator who can answer a variety of questions and offer support for using a CGM or insulin pump. Finally, meeting with a nutritionist every few months can help you understand how your body reacts to various foods and daily activities. You can also receive recommendations for weight management, if necessary.

6-month to-dos

Make sure to see your dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months. High blood sugar increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and periodontitis. That's why, for those living with t1d, it's especially important to make regular dental appointments. This will help prevent gum disease, which can lead to other conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, continue to monitor for potential health complications related to t1d. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can run a comprehensive bloodwork and lipid panel to monitor cholesterol, triglycerides, and kidney function.

If you have health concerns related to diabetes, make sure to see specialty healthcare providers like podiatrists, psychiatrists, psychologists, cardiologists, or nephrologists. Be sure to share the results from these appointments with your primary care physician or endocrinologist.

Annual preventive care

You should get an annual physical every 12 months. At this time, be sure to also speak with your healthcare provider about scheduling a wellness check if necessary, as well as vaccinations and preventive screenings like mammograms.

In addition, schedule a hearing exam and a dilated eye exam. If you have diabetes-related vision concerns, ask your ophthalmologist if you need more frequent appointments.

Age-related health management

In addition to making timely health appointments throughout the year, it's also important to consider if there are any appointments you should be making in the coming months due to your age. Consult your doctor about age-related vaccinations or boosters for DTP, MMR, chickenpox, meningitis, Tdap, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis B, MMR, pneumonia, whooping cough, meningitis, shingles, and COVID-19. Depending on your age, it may also be time for a colonoscopy, bone density test, or memory screening.

Starting the three months before you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare. Within 12 months of becoming eligible for Medicare Part B, patients can receive an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) at no cost. This assessment includes a thorough evaluation of physical, mental, social, and behavioral health risks, screenings for cognitive health, activities of daily living, and a discussion about advance care planning.

Whether you are diagnosed with diabetes as a child, adolescent, or adult, creating routines to manage diabetes can simplify your schedule. Using a calendar management system to keep your appointments on track will help you receive the care you need to live your best life.

Read more articles about diabetes management, living with t1d, health insurance and access, and being newly diagnosed on Health Insights.