 [ Symptoms ] i am 5 day post op from a knee replacement and i have a few patches of red [ Disease ] routine tests routine tests for type 1 diabetes include a hemoglobin a1c or similar test glycosylated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin  that estimates your average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months it helps monitor blood sugar control after treatment has started you need to see your doctor about every 3 to 6 months throughout your life for exams and tests to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment for more information see the schedule for exams and tests beginning at diagnosis after you have had diabetes for 3 to 5 years you will need annual tests to watch for signs of damage to your eyes  diabetic retinopathy  kidneys diabetic nephropathy heart blood vessels and nerves  diabetic neuropathy  if your child has diabetes this testing should begin at puberty other tests you may need a thyroid stimulating hormone tsh test when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed and then every 1 to 2 years this test checks for thyroid problems which are common among people with diabetes if you are very ill you may have found out that you have type 1 diabetes when your insulin levels dropped very low and you were admitted to a hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis dka the following tests were likely used to diagnose and monitor treatment of ketoacidosis you may have these tests again if you develop dka in the future chemistry screen arterial blood gases and other blood tests to check your blood sugar glucose level levels of electrolytes in the blood other potential causes of acidosis and general state of health urinalysis to check whether high amounts of ketones and sugar glucose are in your urine more information what is hemoglobin a1c webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information © 1995 2011 healthwise incorporated healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated