What is a routine lab that should be ordered every visit for diabetes patients?

The fasting lipid panel is an essential routine lab test for patients with diabetes because individuals with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Monitoring lipid levels helps in assessing the risk and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is a common complication associated with diabetes.

Regularly checking lipid levels, particularly cholesterol and triglyceride levels, allows healthcare providers to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications and medications aimed at controlling blood sugar and lipid levels. Optimal management of these levels not only contributes to the overall health of diabetic patients but also aids in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

While the other tests serve important roles in monitoring and managing different aspects of health, they are not specifically required at every visit for all diabetes patients. For example, a complete blood count is useful for assessing general health and detecting conditions like anemia but is not specific to diabetes management. Thyroid function tests and liver function tests can be important in certain contexts or for specific patients, but they do not need to be routinely performed at every visit for all diabetes patients. Therefore, the fasting lipid panel stands out as the primary lab test that should be ordered consistently to manage cardiovascular risk effectively in diabetic patients.