Diabetics must monitor their own blood glucose levels, often several times a day, to determine how far above or below normal their glucose is and what medications they may need.  In addition, doctors or health care practitioners may regularly order several laboratory tests to monitor diabetes and its impact on other organs/systems of the patient. As discussed in detail in Managing Complications (long term), diabetes can affect the circulation to the back of the eyes, feet, toes and kidneys as well as a dramatically increase heart disease in diabetics. Proper diabetes care involves monitoring those organs and systems that become vulnerable from the disease. Make it a point to discuss the available lab tests with your doctor or health care practitioner and have the appropriate lab tests performed. This section describes commonly ordered lab tests for diabetics.