3.3 Give examples of tests used to monitor diabetes to include: • annual tests • daily (or more frequent) tests

This guide will help you answer 3.3 Give examples of tests used to monitor diabetes to include: • annual tests • daily (or more frequent) tests.

Diabetes affects millions across the UK. Monitoring the condition helps prevent serious complications and promotes a better quality of life. Health and social care workers play a key role in helping people understand and manage diabetes. Regular checks, both daily and annual, are important in preventing long-term problems.

This guide explores different tests used to monitor diabetes. It covers both annual tests and those that must be done daily or even more often. You can use this information to support service users and improve your practice.

Why Monitor Diabetes?

Diabetes means high blood sugar levels over time. If not managed, it can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. Monitoring helps people keep their blood sugar in a safe range. It can also spot problems early before they get worse.

Regular tests help:

• Adjust treatment plans
• Detect complications
• Motivate people to stick to healthy habits
• Give healthcare teams up-to-date information

Daily or More Frequent Tests

Most people with diabetes test their blood sugar every day. Some need to test more often, especially if they take insulin.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

This is the most common daily test. People use a small electronic device called a blood glucose meter.

How it works:

• Clean the fingertip
• Use a sterile lancet to prick the skin
• Squeeze out a drop of blood onto a test strip
• Insert the strip into the meter
• The device shows the blood sugar level in a few seconds

Typical times to test:

• Before meals
• Two hours after meals
• Before bed
• Before or after physical activity
• If feeling unwell or suspecting low blood sugar

Some people test up to 8 times each day. Others may only test once a day or less if their condition is stable or if their doctor recommends.

Regular testing helps spot patterns and triggers, such as certain foods, stress or illness. It also helps spot low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Some people use a continuous glucose monitor. This is a small sensor placed under the skin, usually on the stomach or arm.

CGM measures glucose in the fluid just under the skin. It sends readings to a device or app all day and night, usually every few minutes.

Benefits:

• No need to prick the finger often
• Alarms can warn of low or high sugar levels
• Shows trends and patterns over time

People using CGM often need to check with a finger prick occasionally to confirm results.

Flash Glucose Monitoring

This is similar to CGM, but it does not send data constantly. Users have a sensor on the skin and scan it with a reader or smartphone to get a reading.

Benefits:

• Less finger pricking
• Quick information when needed
• Can view past readings to spot patterns

Ketone Testing

Ketone tests are used if blood sugar remains high, especially for people with type 1 diabetes. High ketones can mean the body is using fat for fuel, which can cause a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

People who feel sick or notice high blood sugar may need to use:

• Ketone strips in urine
• Blood ketone meters

Symptoms of high ketones may include nausea, fruity breath and tiredness. Testing promptly and seeking medical advice is very important if ketones are high.

Urine Glucose Testing

This is an older method but sometimes used for people who cannot check blood with a meter. The person dips a test strip in a urine sample. The colour changes if sugar is present.

This test is not as accurate as blood monitoring. It does not show current levels and should not be the only method used.

Summary Table: Daily/More Frequent Tests

• Blood glucose meter (finger prick test)
• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
• Flash glucose monitor (scanned sensor)
• Urine glucose test strips
• Blood or urine ketone tests

Each person’s testing routine is individual. It will be set by their healthcare team. Supporting people with regular testing helps avoid emergencies and long-term problems.

Annual (or Regular) Tests

Annual tests mean checks done once a year or at regular appointments. These tests provide an overall picture of how diabetes is managed. They help spot complications or early changes in organs.

HbA1c Test

The HbA1c blood test measures average blood sugar levels over roughly 2-3 months. It shows how well diabetes has been controlled in the long term.

A sample is sent to a lab. Results come as a percentage or in mmol/mol. For most adults, an HbA1c target is 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or below, but targets will vary.

Higher levels show that blood sugar has been too high. Lower results mean blood sugar has stayed closer to normal.

This is usually done at least once a year, sometimes every three to six months.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

High blood pressure can worsen the risk of heart disease, kidney damage and stroke in people with diabetes.

At annual reviews, staff check blood pressure with a cuff around the arm. If readings are often high, more checks and treatment may follow.

Cholesterol Blood Test

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Measuring cholesterol and other blood fats helps doctors assess the risk and suggest lifestyle changes or medication.

The test is taken from a blood sample, often after fasting. Results show levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Kidney Function Tests

High blood sugar can harm the kidneys. Two important tests are:

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): Checks for protein in the urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage
• Blood test for creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Checks how well the kidneys filter waste

Staff usually collect a urine sample and send a blood sample to the lab.

Eye Screening

Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) can cause blindness. An annual eye screening checks for early damage.

A trained screener takes photographs of the eyes after dilating the pupils with drops. Problems can be treated early to preserve sight.

This is different from a regular eye test.

Foot Checks

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood flow in the feet. A foot check identifies reduced feeling, injury, or infection.

A nurse or podiatrist will:

• Look for cuts, blisters or sores
• Check pulses in the feet
• Test feeling with a soft filament

Foot checks should happen at least once a year. Some people need more frequent checks.

Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)

Being overweight affects diabetes management. Annual weight and height checks help calculate BMI. This information helps set targets and track progress with healthy eating and activity.

Liver Function Tests

Medicine for diabetes, obesity or raised cholesterol can affect the liver. An annual blood test can find problems early.

Dental Check-ups

People with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are recommended. Dentists can look for early warning signs and give advice.

Summary Table: Annual Tests

• HbA1c (average blood sugar)
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol and blood fats
• Kidney (urine and blood tests)
• Eye screening
• Foot checks
• Weight and BMI
• Liver function (if needed)
• Dental check-up

These tests help people stay healthy. They can catch changes early and inform changes in treatment.

Helping People With Diabetes Monitoring

Health and social care workers have a big part to play. You can support people by:

• Encouraging them to keep to their test schedule
• Reminding them when checks are due
• Helping with test techniques (for example, blood glucose meters)
• Listening to worries and answering questions
• Helping record and share results with healthcare staff
• Looking out for signs of complications, such as vision changes or foot problems
• Supporting people emotionally after test results

Routine and encouragement help people feel less alone in their care.

Communicating Test Results

Clear records help others pick up problems early. Recording results can be:

• Paper diaries
• Electronic records
• Sharing data with clinics or family members

Explain what results mean and when to ask for help. Wake them up to any results that seem worrying. Guide them to speak with a doctor or nurse if unsure.

Barriers To Testing

Some people find regular testing hard. Barriers can include:

• Fear of needles
• Pain or discomfort
• Forgetting to test
• Difficulty understanding what results mean
• Cost of equipment
• Emotional issues such as anxiety or denial

Work with people, families and other staff to reduce these barriers. Demonstrate good practice and share tips to make repeated testing easier.

Supporting People For Annual Reviews

Remind people with diabetes about annual reviews. Help them prepare by:

• Bringing records of recent blood sugar checks
• Writing down any symptoms or questions
• Wearing footwear that is easy to remove for foot checks
• Trying not to miss appointments

Annual reviews are a good time to plan ahead and prevent problems.

Final Thoughts

Monitoring diabetes helps people live well. Daily tests show patterns in blood sugar and warn of sudden drops or spikes. Annual tests check for long-term health risks and complications. Both are important and work best together.

Health and social care workers make a real difference by supporting testing. You can help people make sense of their results, reduce barriers and link them to the right care. Yearly checks do not replace daily monitoring. But when used together, they protect people from both immediate and future problems.

Understanding the range of tests and knowing how to support their use is key. With good communication and encouragement, people with diabetes can manage their condition and stay healthy. Your support can improve both health outcomes and confidence for those in your care.