Essential Diabetes Health Checks: Your Annual Review

LOOKING AFTER YOUR DIABETES

Diabetes Health Checks and Annual Review

Diabetes can lead to a range of serious health complications if not properly monitored. In Kenya, it is essential for individuals living with diabetes to undergo regular health checks, commonly referred to as annual reviews, to help catch and manage complications in their early stages. Regular health checks are a critical part of diabetes care and management, ensuring you maintain your health and prevent further issues.

What Health Checks Should You Be Getting?

During your annual review, the following health checks are crucial:

In Kenya, some of these checks may not always be available at your nearest clinic, so it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider and seek any missing checks elsewhere.

Additional Essential Health Checks

Besides the routine checks, some other important health reviews you should consider include:

Diabetic Eye Check: This involves taking photos of your eyes to monitor for diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the eyes due to high blood sugar. If your last eye check was clear, you may be advised to get this done every two years.

It’s important to note that for those in rural or remote areas of Kenya, access to diabetic eye checks may require traveling to a larger hospital or clinic. Ensure to plan your travel accordingly as eye drops administered during the test can affect your vision for a few hours.

Why These Health Checks Matter

Missing your diabetes health checks can increase the risk of severe complications such as:

Sight loss (due to diabetic retinopathy)

Foot ulcers or amputations

Heart attack or stroke

Kidney disease

Early detection and treatment can lower these risks, making it essential to follow up with your doctor for these regular reviews.

Commonly Missed Health Checks

In Kenya, many people with diabetes often miss key checks, such as:

Kidney Tests

Due to difficulties providing a urine sample or accessibility challenges.

Eye Checks

Since these tests are often conducted at separate facilities, many people find it inconvenient or uncomfortable to go.

Foot Checks

Some individuals may feel too embarrassed or concerned about foot hygiene to ask for a foot check.

Tips to Ensure You Get Your Health Checks

Kidney Test

If you are sent home with a urine sample bottle, try doing the test at home and returning the sample to the clinic as soon as possible.

Eye Check

Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to the clinic and help arrange transportation if necessary. Ensure you plan ahead since you won’t be able to drive afterward due to the eye drops.

Foot Check

Remember that your healthcare professional is used to examining feet and is focused on your health, not foot hygiene. Wear easy-to-remove shoes and socks to make the process smoother.

Overcoming Barriers to Diabetes Care in Kenya

Living with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the healthcare system. If you encounter difficulties accessing services, whether due to long waiting times, transportation challenges, or feeling embarrassed, here are some tips to make things easier:

Communication

Speak openly with your healthcare provider. Ask if it’s possible to have all your checks done in one visit or to receive referral letters for specialized tests, like the eye check, at the nearest available clinic.

Scheduling

Make sure you don’t miss out on your annual reviews by setting reminders and booking appointments early. Many clinics in Kenya allow for scheduled appointments to reduce waiting times.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or community health workers to accompany you to appointments if traveling to the clinic is difficult.

Additional Diabetes Care

In addition to the above checks, there are other aspects of diabetes care that are important for Kenyan patients:

Diabetes Group Education Programs

These are particularly useful if you’re newly diagnosed and need more information on managing your condition.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations as individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for complications from infections.

Weight Management

If weight loss is a goal, speak to your healthcare provider about local programs that can help you manage your weight in a healthy way.

By regularly attending your diabetes health checks and staying informed about your condition, you’ll be in a better position to manage diabetes and reduce your risk of serious complications.