Why regular health checks are important 

What health checks should I get? 

A standard set of health checks that you can complete with your GP, or an allied health professional, include: 

• Blood glucose monitoring 
• Cardiovascular risk assessment 
• Kidney function 
• Eye health 
• Feet 
• Oral health 
• Lifestyle review  

Let’s look at these in more detail. 

Blood glucose 

A blood glucose check measures the amount of glucose in your blood. If you have higher than target levels in your blood you could have prediabetes and be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are three ways your GP can check. 

• HbA1c test: This is done every 12 months to check your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. It helps check for diabetes. 

• Fasting blood glucose or the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): These are used to confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and monitor progression. 

You do not need to fast for the HbA1c check, but for a fasting blood glucose or OGTT you will be asked to stop eating and drinking (except for water) around eight hours prior. A small blood sample is taken and then analysed in both the HbA1c and the fasting blood glucose check. The OGTT involves an initial fasting blood sample, followed by the consumption of a sugary drink and subsequent blood samples taken usually one hour and again two hours after consumption. This is to evaluate how well your body processes glucose over a period of time.  

Find out more about screening for type 2 diabetes.  

Cardiovascular risk assessment 

This consists of a few checks, including: 

Blood pressure: At least annually. High blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Target: Less than 140/90  

Cholesterol and lipid profile: Every year. High cholesterol can block blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease.  

Targets:  

• LDL – 2mmol/L or lower 
• HDL – 1mmol/L or higher 
• Triglycerides – 2mmol/L or lower  

Heart health checks such as an ECG or other tests may be needed if risk factors or symptoms are present. 

Kidney health  

Early signs of kidney damage can be picked up with a urine test. It is an important check especially if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.  

Eye health  

Changes in eye health can go unnoticed, so regular checks are important. See an optometrist every year.  

Foot care  

Changes in circulation and nerve health can affect your feet. Check your feet yourself regularly and if you have any concerns visit your GP or a podiatrist. 

Oral health 

Regular trips to the dentist are recommended as are there is a strong link between prediabetes and periodontal disease. Your dentists may be able to identify if you are at risk for prediabetes through routine oral health assessments.   

Healthy lifestyle review  

Your GP can support you, or direct you to support from another health professional, for an assessment of what you eat and drink, a physical activity review, and mental health screening. You may also find help to: 

• Reduce stress   
• Improve sleep  
• Quit smoking or vaping 
• Limit alcohol   

Special considerations for people over 50 

As health risks evolve with age, additional screenings become relevant. Additional yearly health checks could include: 

• Skin cancer screening 
• Osteoporosis risk assessment 
• Bowel cancer and mammogram screening  

Who should you have in your healthcare team?    

Your support network may include: 

• GP: The cornerstone of your annual review. 
• Practice nurse: Assists with routine measurements and screenings. 
• Dietitian: Helps you with nutrition strategies for good health. 
• Diabetes educator: If you have prediabetes or diabetes an educator can guide you through any lifestyle adjustments needed and information on medications and monitoring strategies. 
• Optometrist: For eye health checks. 
• Podiatrist: Critical for foot care if nerve or circulation issues are a concern. 
• Dentist: Good oral health is important for much more than just your teeth. 
• Psychologist: If stress or mood is affecting your lifestyle or ability to look after your health. 

Make it routine 

1. Schedule your check-up annually.
2. Bring previous results and note any changes or concerns. 
3. Ask about Medicare rebates. 
4. Follow through on recommendations or referrals.  

Annual health reviews are more than appointments, they are an opportunity to protect and enhance your health. If you are over 50, have prediabetes, or have been advised you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, these health checks may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or other complications.