Long-term Health & Wellness

Preventing complications and optimizing your health with T1D

Regular Screening Schedules

Every 3-4 Months

  • •Endocrinology appointments with A1C testing
  • •Review CGM data and adjust insulin doses
  • •Discuss any concerns or changes in management

Annually

  • •Comprehensive eye exam (dilated retinal screening)
  • •Kidney function tests (microalbumin, creatinine)
  • •Comprehensive foot exam
  • •Lipid panel (cholesterol screening)
  • •Thyroid function tests (TSH)
  • •Blood pressure monitoring
  • •Dental checkup (every 6 months recommended)
Eye Health Monitoring

Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention

  • •Maintain A1C below 7% to significantly reduce risk
  • •Control blood pressure (below 140/90)
  • •Annual dilated eye exams with ophthalmologist
  • •Report vision changes immediately

Warning Signs

  • •Blurred or fluctuating vision
  • •Floaters or spots in vision
  • •Difficulty with night vision
  • •Dark or empty areas in vision
Kidney & Foot Health

Protecting Your Kidneys

  • •Maintain blood sugar and blood pressure in target range
  • •Annual microalbumin screening (protein in urine)
  • •Stay well hydrated
  • •Limit NSAIDs (ibuprofen) use
  • •ACE inhibitors may be prescribed if early kidney changes detected

Foot Care Essentials

  • •Check feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
  • •Wash and moisturize feet daily (not between toes)
  • •Wear well-fitting shoes and never go barefoot
  • •See podiatrist for nail trimming if needed
  • •Report any foot problems to doctor immediately
Cardiovascular Health

Heart Health Strategies

  • •Manage cholesterol levels (target LDL below 100 mg/dL)
  • •Keep blood pressure below 140/90 (130/80 if possible)
  • •Exercise regularly (150 minutes/week moderate activity)
  • •Don't smoke - smoking dramatically increases heart disease risk
  • •Maintain healthy weight
  • •Consider statin therapy if recommended by doctor
Managing Other Autoimmune Conditions

Common Comorbidities

  • •Thyroid disease (Hashimoto's or Graves' disease)
  • •Celiac disease
  • •Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
  • •Vitiligo

Screening Recommendations

  • •Annual thyroid screening (TSH test)
  • •Celiac screening if symptoms present (or at diagnosis)
  • •Report unusual fatigue, weight changes, or digestive issues
Staying Current with T1D Research

Emerging Technologies

  • •Automated insulin delivery systems (closed loop / hybrid closed loop)
  • •Next-generation CGMs and insulin pumps
  • •Smart insulin (glucose-responsive insulin in development)
  • •Beta cell replacement therapies and stem cell research

Participating in Research

  • •Consider joining clinical trials for new therapies
  • •Register with T1D Exchange or TrialNet
  • •Stay informed through JDRF, ADA, and other T1D organizations