Your Annual Diabetes Health Checks Explained | Primary Health Awareness Trust


Your Annual Diabetes Health Checks Explained

By the Primary Health Awareness Trust

When you’re living with Type 2 diabetes, **prevention is powerful**. That’s why the NHS offers a set of **free annual checks** to help spot any early signs of problems — especially in your eyes, feet, kidneys, and heart. But many older adults feel unsure about what these checks are, why they matter, or how to ask for them. This blog breaks it all down in simple terms.

What Are the 9 Key Diabetes Checks?

If you’re living with diabetes, you should receive the following checks at least once a year from your GP or practice nurse:

  1. Blood pressure check – To monitor heart health and circulation
  2. HbA1c blood test – To measure average blood sugar control
  3. Cholesterol test – For assessing heart and stroke risk
  4. Foot check – To look for nerve damage, poor circulation, or changes
  5. Kidney check (eGFR + urine test) – To catch any early kidney damage
  6. Retinal eye screening – A special photo of the back of your eyes
  7. Weight check – To monitor overall metabolic health
  8. Medication review – To assess side effects or dose changes
  9. Emotional wellbeing review – A chance to talk about how you’re coping

These checks help you stay ahead of any silent issues before they become serious. Early action = stronger protection.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Most Important Ones

👣 Foot Checks

Diabetes can reduce sensation in your feet over time. You may not notice injuries or ulcers, which could become serious if not treated quickly. A foot check includes:

  • Looking for dryness, cuts, swelling, or redness
  • Testing for sensation using a soft tool or vibrating fork
  • Checking circulation in the toes and ankles

Check your own feet weekly too — or ask someone to help if needed.

👁️ Eye Screening

This is not a regular sight test. It’s a **retinal photo** that checks for signs of diabetic retinopathy — damage to the tiny blood vessels in the eye.

  • Usually offered at a hospital or local clinic
  • Fully free on the NHS
  • Should happen once a year, even if your vision seems fine

🧪 Kidney Function

Diabetes can affect the kidneys over time — but early changes can be picked up by simple blood and urine tests. Ask for:

  • eGFR blood test: Shows how well your kidneys filter waste
  • Urine ACR test: Checks for protein leaking into urine — an early warning sign

📋 Surprise Prompt: Build Your Personal Diabetes Check Log

Ask yourself: “Have I had all 9 diabetes checks this year?”

Write down the date of your last check — or create a simple tick-box list. Keeping a health log builds **confidence and memory strength**, and it’s a powerful digital tool in our Cognitive Resilience Hub.

How to Request Your Checks

  • Call your GP and ask for your **annual diabetes review**
  • If you’ve missed your eye test, ask to be re-referred to the local diabetic eye screening programme
  • If you’re not sure when your last kidney or cholesterol test was, ask for a copy of your latest results

You’re entitled to know your numbers — and understand what they mean.

Extra Tips to Make the Most of Your Appointment

  • Bring a list of medications and questions
  • Wear loose shoes or socks for easy foot checks
  • Write down anything you’ve noticed (e.g. pins and needles, vision changes, swelling)

Final Thought

Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Your annual diabetes review is a safety net — and a sign that your health matters. Knowing your numbers, checking your feet, and protecting your eyes can help you live longer, move more freely, and enjoy peace of mind.

Explore the rest of our Living Well with Diabetes Hub for more trusted, friendly guidance on staying healthy, active, and confident at every stage of life.


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