1Start here23456789101112131415161718Preview Introduction Do you support someone with managing their diabetes? The diabetes annual cycle of care checklist is a tool to help you understand what diabetes health checks are recommended, and when. Making sure they get these health checks can help them live well with diabetes and reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications. Click “Start checklist” and answer the questions about the person you support. It only takes a few minutes. You will then get a list of health checks that you can save or print and take to the person's next health appointment. The information in this checklist is a general guide only. Discuss the checklist with their health professional for personalised advice. We are here to support you every step of the way. HbA1c check An HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) check is a blood test that is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past three months. This check helps assess how well their diabetes treatment plan is working, or if changes need to be made. Regular HbA1c checks help keep the person's HbA1c in their target range which reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. It is recommended an HbA1c check is done every 6 to 12 months. Have they had their HbA1c checked within the last 6-12 months?* Yes No Ask their general practitioner (GP), endocrinologist or nurse practitioner (NP) when their next HbA1c blood check is due.Ask their general practitioner (GP), endocrinologist or nurse practitioner (NP) for a referral to pathology to have their HbA1c checked. Blood pressure Regular blood pressure checks help monitor the health of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system). Keeping blood pressure in the healthy range helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, which are more common in people with diabetes. Blood pressure should be checked at least every six months.Have they had their blood pressure checked within the last 6 months?* Yes No You could check their results to see if they are within a healthy range and if needed, discuss with their health professional how they can be supported to achieve their target range.Ask their health professional or local pharmacist to arrange for their blood pressure to be measured. Foot checks Foot checks are important for early detection and treatment of diabetes-related foot problems. They also help maintain mobility and quality of life. Daily foot care is also essential. This includes you or the person you support getting to know their feet and checking for any changes, including on the bottom of their feet and between their toes. More information about daily foot care and foot risk can be found on the Foot Forward website.Have they had a foot check within the last 12 months?* Yes No Make sure you continue to report any changes to their healthcare team. Visit a podiatrist for a foot check every 6-12 months.Ask their GP about getting a foot check from a podiatrist. Their GP may start a GP Management Plan (GPMP), which offers a Medicare rebate to see a podiatrist. Private health insurance may also cover the cost of a podiatrist. Eye checks Eye checks look for early signs of diabetes-related eye damage. Regular eye checks help treat eye damage early. An optometrist or eye specialist should check their eyes at least every two years to reduce the risk of diabetes-related eye complications (such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma). If these complications are left untreated, they can cause permanent damage or loss of vision.Have they had their eyes checked by an optometrist or eye specialist as recommended by their healthcare team or within the last 2 years?* Yes No Re-visit the optometrist or eye specialist for an eye check every two years, or earlier if advised to do so. These eye checks are usually covered by Medicare. If they see an eye specialist, ask their GP if they need a new referral letter. Diabetes Australia has a free program to support staying up to date with an individual’s eye checks called KeepSight.Ask their GP about getting an eye health check from an optometrist. These eye checks are usually covered by Medicare. Diabetes Australia has a free program to support staying up to date with an individual’s eye checks called KeepSight. Kidney health check Yearly urine and blood tests are important to check kidney health. Monitoring kidney health is important as diabetes can increase the risk of diabetic nephropathy (damage to the kidneys), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. Have they had urine and blood check within the last 12 months to assess their kidney health?* Yes No If you have any concerns make sure you discuss them with their healthcare team.Ask their GP, endocrinologist or NP for a referral to have their kidney health checked. Blood lipids (blood fat) check Regular blood fat or lipid checks monitor cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are within their target range will help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. A blood check to check their blood fats should be done at least once a year. Have they had a blood check within 12 months to check their blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)?* Yes No Check the results with their GP and discuss whether any action is needed to achieve their target range.Ask their GP, endocrinologist or NP to arrange for their blood lipids to be measured. Maintaining a healthy weight range Weight and waist measurements are important indicators of health risks. They are best checked every six months or as recommended by their health professional. A healthy weight range will be different for everyone. A healthy weight helps reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease and stroke. It also helps protect against falls and injury from falls. If you notice unexpected weight loss in the person you care for or support, it is important to talk to their health professional. If the person you care for is resistant to having their weight taken or has a history of disordered eating, suggest a ‘blind weight’ be taken where the person cannot see the number on the scale.Have they had their weight and waist measurements checked within the last 6 months?* Yes No If there was a change in their weight or waist measurements, discuss this with their health professional.Ask for a check of their weight and waist measurements at the next health professional appointment if relevant to the health goals of the person you care for. Healthy eating A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps manage weight, and keeps blood glucose levels within their target range. Making informed food choices, limiting processed foods, and eating the right portion-sized meals will help promote overall health and wellbeing for people with diabetes. A visit to a dietitian is recommended every 12 months. Does the person have a healthy eating plan in place as developed by an accredited practising dietitian (APD)?* Yes No Ask the GP when their next visit to a dietitian is due. A GP Management Plan can offer a Medicare rebate to see a dietitian. Private health insurance may also cover the costs of seeing a dietitian. Ask their GP for a referral to a dietitian for advice about healthy eating and their nutritional needs. Their doctor may start a GP Management Plan which offers a Medicare rebate to see a dietitian. Private health insurance may also cover the costs of seeing a dietitian. Poor oral health can also impact on diet. Blood glucose levels above someone’s target range increases the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, and gum infections or disease. Speak to their GP, NP or dentist if you are concerned about gum disease, mouth or tooth pain. Physical activity Regular physical activity reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications and improves overall health and quality of life. Doing moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, sit-to-stand exercises, dancing, or swimming at least 30 minutes a day, along with muscle-strengthening activities, helps keep blood glucose levels in target range and helps cardiovascular health.Are they doing regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day?* Yes No If you feel they need more support or a change to their physical activity plan, a GP Management Plan or private health insurance may subsidise or cover the costs to see an exercise physiologist (EP). Review their physical activity plan every 12 months.Ask their GP about visiting an exercise physiologist (EP) for advice about physical activity, and exercises to improve muscle strength and balance. Their GP may start a GP Management Plan which offers a Medicare rebate to see an EP. Private health insurance may also cover the costs of seeing an EP. Medication review A medication review, such as a Home Medication Review, every 12 months can answer important questions about prescription and over-the-counter medicines. This can include how the medication works, the best time to take it, and the possible side effects to watch out for.Has their GP or pharmacist reviewed their medications within the last 12 months to make sure they are safe and being taken correctly?* Yes No A medication review should be done at least once every year. Ask their GP when they can have another review to help with future health review planning.Ask their GP for a medication review or a referral to a pharmacist for a Home Medication Review. Usually, their GP will choose an accredited community pharmacist who will come to their home at a convenient time. Smoking Quitting smoking lowers the risk of diabetes-related complications, improves overall health, and supports a healthier lifestyle. Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking reduces this risk and improves long-term health and wellbeing for people with diabetes.Has their GP or NP discussed a treatment plan for quitting smoking?* Yes No Not Applicable Follow the advice of their GP or NP. If they need further support call the Quitline on 13 QUIT or 13 7848.Talk with their GP about the options for quitting smoking or call the Quitline on 13 QUIT or 13 7848 Emotional health The demands of living with diabetes can take a toll on emotional wellbeing. Looking after emotional health is as important as looking after diabetes and should be part of their routine diabetes care with their health professional. More information about diabetes and mental health can be found on the Looking after your mind webpages.Have they discussed their emotional health with their health professional as part of their routine diabetes care?* Yes No Emotional health can change a lot when managing diabetes. Additional support is available from mental health professionals if needed. Their GP can assist with accessing Medicare-subsidised sessions through a mental health plan to see these health professionals. For immediate 24/7 mental health assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.Encourage the person you care for to discuss the emotional impact of living with diabetes with their GP, or offer to discuss it on their behalf. Additional support is available from mental health professionals if needed. Their GP can assist with accessing Medicare-subsidised sessions through a mental health plan to see these health professionals. For immediate 24/7 mental health assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Geriatrician As people age, they may have several health conditions at the same time. A geriatrician is a doctor that looks after people 65 years or older with complex health needs. Specialist health areas a geriatrician looks after include cognitive function, mobility, medication management, and health conditions such as diabetes.Have they talked with their GP about a referral to a geriatrician?* Yes No Most older adults will have a yearly check-up with their geriatrician to review medications, check on any health concerns, and look at preventative care and treatments. Ask their GP if they need a new referral. Talk to their GP about a referral to a geriatrician to review their medications, check on any health concerns, and look at preventative care and treatments. My Aged Care My Aged Care is an important resource for people 65 years and older, or 50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, seeking support and services to maintain their independence and quality of life. My Aged Care can help connect people to services such as support at home, residential care, and respite services.Have they explored the services offered by My Aged Care to access support and resources tailored to their individual needs?* Yes No If you need to find out more call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit My Aged Care.To find out more and how to register contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit My Aged Care. Sick day management Being unwell can affect blood glucose levels. This is because blood glucose levels can be affected by increased stress hormones, vomiting, diarrhoea, and poor appetite. A Sick Day Action Plan has step-by-step written instructions on how to manage diabetes when they are unwell or have an infection. It is important for people with diabetes to have a current Sick Day Action Plan ready to use at the first sign of illness.Do they have a Sick Day Action Plan in place?* Yes No If there are any changes to their health it is important to check their Sick Day Action Plan is reflective of the changes. Talk to their GP, NP, diabetes specialist or credentialled diabetes educator if you have any concerns to ensure the plan is updated if needed.Talk to their GP, NP, diabetes specialist or credentialled diabetes educator to set up a Sick Day Action Plan. Vaccinations Vaccinations are essential for older adults to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. By staying up to date on recommended vaccines, they can reduce their risk of serious illnesses, and help protect themselves and others in their community.Have they discussed what vaccinations they need with their health professional?* Yes No If some vaccinations need to be updated, make an appointment at the general practice, pharmacy or local council service for the vaccinations to be given. To stay up to date on the latest information about vaccinations visit Department of Health and Aged Care.Ask the GP or NP at the next appointment if their vaccinations are up to date. If they need to have vaccinations, arrange for them to be given at the general practice, pharmacy or local council service. To stay up to date on the latest information about vaccinations visit Department of Health and Aged Care. {all_fields}
