Physical exam for type 1 diabetes

If you have symptoms of type 1 diabetes, you will have a complete physical exam. You will continue having exams on a regular basis if you are diagnosed with this disease. The physical exam includes:

• Measuring your height and weight. Children and teens will have their height and weight compared to standards that are normal for their age groups.
• Checking your blood pressure. For adults, blood pressure may be checked while standing and sitting.
• Checking your eyes.
• Feeling your neck to evaluate your thyroid gland. Thyroid problems sometimes develop in people with diabetes.
• Listening to your heart and lung sounds and checking the blood flow (pulses) in your arms, legs, and feet.
• Checking for signs of dehydration, such as loose skin, a dry mouth, or sunken eyeballs.
• Checking alertness, if you are very ill.
• Checking your feet for problems including corns, calluses, blisters, cuts, cracks, or sores.