Physical Exam for Type 2 Diabetes

If your doctor suspects that you have type 2 diabetes, he or she may do a complete physical exam. This means he or she may:

• Measure your height and weight. For children and teens, height and weight will be compared with what is considered normal for their age groups.
• Check your blood pressure.
• Check your eyes, including movement, pupil response to light, and the back of the eye (retina).
• Check your thyroid gland. Your doctor will check this gland by feeling it while you swallow. Thyroid problems sometimes develop in people who have diabetes.
• Listen to your heart and lung sounds and checking your blood flow (pulse) in your arms, legs, and feet. Your doctor also may listen to the blood flow in your neck (carotid) arteries for evidence of plaque buildup from atherosclerosis.
• Check for a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans.
• Examine your feet for sores, injuries, and decreased sensation. The health professional will gently touch your feet and hands with a vibrating metal tuning fork and small pieces of fine nylon fiber (microfilament testing).
• Examine your nervous system by checking your reflexes and your ability to feel touch in your arms, legs, and feet.