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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.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
Last Revised September 14, 2010

Last Revised: September 14, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology

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