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Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications - Exams and Tests

You need to have routine exams and tests to monitor the progress of your complication from type 2 diabetes and to screen for other complications that may develop.

**Schedule of exams and tests for diabetes complications**
Complication	Tests if you do not have the complication⁵	Tests if you have the complication
Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)	Every year, have: A complete eye exam (ophthalmoscopy). Vision tests. A test for glaucoma. If you are at low risk for vision problems, your doctor may consider follow-up exams every 2 to 3 years.	As often as indicated, have: Pictures of the back of your eyes (fundus photography) taken, to monitor diabetic retinopathy and evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment. Fluorescein angiogram, to check for and locate any tiny leaking blood vessels in the retina.
Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)	Every year, have one of the following: Urine tests for levels of protein (microalbuminuria), to detect early damage to your kidneys Creatinine test, to evaluate kidney function	As needed to monitor your condition, have: A spot urine or 24-hour urine test, to check the total amount of protein leaking from your kidneys over 24 hours. Blood electrolyte tests, to evaluate whether your kidneys are maintaining normal electrolyte balance. If you develop kidney failure, you may need other tests. For more information, see the topic Chronic Kidney Disease.
Heart and blood vessel disease (macrovascular disease)	During every medical appointment, have: Your blood pressure checked to see whether it is rising. Your blood pressure should be less than 130/80 mm Hg. Every 1 to 2 years or more often, if indicated, have a: Cholesterol and triglyceride level test, to evaluate cholesterol levels in your blood. Your LDL cholesterol level needs to be less than 100 mg/dL or aim for keeping it at 70 mg/dL. Your triglyceride level needs to be less than 150 mg/dL. And, if possible, your HDL cholesterol level needs to be more than 40 mg/dL for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women. As indicated, have: Exercise electrocardiogram (treadmill EKG test) or cardiac stress test if you are beginning a vigorous exercise program.	As indicated, have: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), if you have had a heart attack or have heart symptoms. Exercise electrocardiogram or cardiac stress test. For more information on tests, see the topics Heart Attack and Unstable Angina, Stroke, and Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs.
Nerve disease (diabetic neuropathy)	Periodically, have a: Physical exam to check for your response to light touch, pressure, temperature, and vibration, particularly in your feet and legs. Simple tests can be used to screen for loss of sensation. These tests should be done on both feet. Touching the end of your toe with a thin plastic fiber (monofilament test) can assess your sense of light touch or pressure. A cold metal tuning fork may be held to your leg to evaluate your sensation of temperature. A vibrating tuning fork may be touched to your foot to assess your sensation of vibration. Test of muscle strength and reflexes, especially those in your ankles and knees. Careful examination of your feet for infections, injuries, or bone and joint problems. A complete exam of your feet should be done at least once a year. Blood pressure and pulse check when lying down, sitting, and standing.	As indicated, have: Electromyogram (EMG), to measure how well and how quickly particular nerves and muscles are working. Nerve conduction studies, to test how well specific nerves conduct electrical impulses. Tests for autonomic neuropathy (which affects internal functioning) are specific to your symptoms, such as: Ultrasound of the bladder, X-ray of the entire urinary system (intravenous pyelogram), or a cystometrogram (which measures bladder storage capacity), if you have a problem with bladder control. Gastric emptying study to evaluate the speed at which your stomach empties. Nerve damage from diabetes (gastroparesis) can slow this rate.

Since persistent high blood sugar levels are directly related to complications from diabetes, have a hemoglobin A1c test every 3 to 6 months to monitor your blood sugar control.

More information

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 28, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications Topics

Great News for Men Living with BPH

Prescribing Information

Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.

UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.

If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.

Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.

The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.

Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.

Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications