Scheduling Your Next Blood Test

Your doctor decides how often to repeat your blood sugar tests. The timing depends on your results and your risk.

While you are making changes, many doctors retest every three to six months. Once your numbers stay steady, many check about once a year.

Ask your doctor when your next test is due. Ask which result would lead to a change in your plan.

A repeat test shows which way your blood sugar is moving. Is it trending in a healthier direction, or a less healthy one?

One reading is only a snapshot. Your A1C covers roughly the past two to three months. Think of it as a report card for one season.

Results from several dates, kept in one place, show a clearer picture.

Key takeaways

• Your doctor sets the retest timing based on your results and risk.
• Repeat tests show which way your blood sugar is moving.
• A dated record of past results makes changes easier to compare.

Try it

Write down the date of your last blood test and keep it with your other results.