Annual Screening for Diabetes Complications

Annual diabetes complication screening is recommended for all patients with diabetes.

"Early stages of complications from diabetes can occur without your knowledge. That is why it is important to get yourself screened regularly for diabetes-related complications," says Dr Suresh Rama Chandran, Associate Consultant, Department of Endocrinology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.

Annual diabetes complication screening is recommended for all individuals with diabetes. The purpose of this screening is to detect any potential complication at an early stage and intervene with lifestyle changes or medications to reduce the risk of progression.

Annual screen	Potential Finding	Potential Intervention
1. Eye screen	Diabetic eye disease	Referral to eye specialist
2. Urine protein (albumin) screen Blood test (Serum Creatinine)	Diabetic kidney disease	Intensification of glucose and blood pressure control Addition of medications (ACEI/ARB) to reduce urine protein (albumin) leak Referral to kidney specialist
3. Foot screen	Diabetic nerve disease Reduced blood flow to the feet Ulcers, calluses, ingrown or thickened nails Foot deformities	Advise on appropriate foot wear Referral for vascular (blood vessel) scan to detect extent and severity of narrowing Dressing of ulcers, removal of calluses and trimming of nails Offloading and accomodation of foot deformities by podiatrist Referral to podiatrist
4. Cardiovascular risk assessment (Risk is estimated based on your BP, lipids, age, gender and other risk factors)	High risk	Intensification of glucose and blood pressure control Initiation of medications (statin, aspirin, ACEI/ARB) to reduce cardiovascular risk.