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Select treatment area Bladder & Kidneys Blood Brain & nervous system Cancer Children's health Diabetes Digestive system Ear, nose & throat Eating & weight Eyes Fertility Heart and circulation Hormones Infections Lungs & breathing Men's health Mental health Mouth Muscles & bones Pregnancy & childbirth Sexual health Skin Sleep Staying healthy Travel health Women's health

People with diabetes have a bigger chance of having a heart attack, a stroke or poor circulation in their legs. So if you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will check to see whether you are developing any problems and if you need treatment.

They will ask if you've had any heart or circulation problems before, and do some tests to see if you have any signs of problems now.¹

These are some tests you may need:

• Blood tests to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Blood and urine tests to check that your kidneys are working properly
• Blood pressure measurements. Your doctor puts a cuff around your arm to take a reading.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG). This is a test that can be done in the office. It doesn't hurt. It checks the electrical activity in your heart.
• A stress test. During this test you exercise on a treadmill while your doctor checks that your heart is working properly, with an electrocardiogram or other tests.

If these tests find any problems, for example if they show your blood pressure is too high, you may need to have treatment.

You might also be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist) or a doctor who specializes in the nervous system (neurologist) or blood vessels (vascular surgeon).

After you've been diagnosed, your doctor should ask you to come in for a checkup at least once a year. At the checkup, your doctor should check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and your weight. You'll also be asked about your lifestyle: for example, how much exercise you get, whether you smoke and what your diet's like.¹

This will help your doctor estimate your risk of heart or circulation problems. They will use the information from this check to help decide which treatments you need.¹

If you are told you're at high risk of heart problems or circulation problems, you'll probably be worried. But remember that being at high risk of a heart attack doesn't mean you will definitely have one. There are lots of treatments that work well to cut your risk.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.