Many people with diabetes have said: "I feel perfectly fine — why do I need to go back so often?" But many of the complications of diabetes — affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves in the feet — are quietly developing long before any obvious symptoms appear. Regular reviews exist to catch these problems while they can still be addressed.

Why regular reviews matter

The American Diabetes Association's 2024 Standards of Care in Diabetes states clearly: "Follow-up visits should include most of the components of the initial comprehensive exam, and occur at least every three to six months, with a thorough annual review tailored to the individual."1 The purpose of these reviews is not to scrutinise you — it is for your entire care team to work alongside you, adjusting your treatment plan at the right moments.

What each appointment should cover

According to the ADA 2024 guidelines, each visit should address the following areas:1

  • Your overall health: Blood sugar control, weight, and blood pressure.
  • Risk assessment for potential complications: Heart disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
  • A review of your current medications and diet.
  • Your daily life: Stress, sleep, and mood — all of which affect blood sugar.
  • Setting shared goals for the next steps: Treatment plans should be developed jointly by doctor and patient.1

Referrals you cannot afford to delay

Some tests require regular referral to a specialist:1

  • Ophthalmology: Annual eye examination. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness among working-age adults.1
  • Podiatry / Dermatology: A thorough annual check of the feet and skin.1
  • Dentistry: Annual periodontal check.1
  • Mental health: Referral to psychological support where needed.1

The ADA also emphasises that communication between care teams and patients should be non-judgmental and non-blaming: "If a treatment plan is not achieving the expected outcomes, this should not be attributed to patient 'non-compliance' — the team should work together to identify what barriers exist."1