Ongoing conditions

Diabetes: virtual care options

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which the body has trouble controlling blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and often develops gradually. Managing diabetes usually involves regular check-ins, lab work, and a care plan you build with your provider.

See virtual care for Diabetes

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Common symptoms

What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.

Feeling very thirsty or urinating often
Feeling tired or low on energy
Blurry vision
Cuts or sores that heal slowly
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

What a virtual visit may involve

Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.

Check-ins with a licensed provider to review your blood sugar readings and how you are feeling
Refills of your existing treatment, if the provider decides it is appropriate
Help with diet, activity, and day-to-day blood sugar habits
Reminders about lab work, eye exams, and foot checks you may be due for

When in-person care may be better

Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.

You think you may have diabetes and need a first diagnosis
You are due for lab work, such as an A1C test, or a foot or eye exam
You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Your blood sugar stays out of range or you have a sore that is not healing

When to go to the ER

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or trouble staying awake
Fruity-smelling breath with vomiting, belly pain, or fast, deep breathing
Signs of very low blood sugar, like shaking, sweating, or confusion, that do not improve after eating sugar
Very high blood sugar with extreme thirst, weakness, or vomiting
Fainting or a seizure

Ready to explore a virtual visit for Diabetes?

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Common questions

Diabetes, answered.

General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.

Can I get diabetes care online?

Virtual visits are often used for ongoing diabetes check-ins and refills of existing treatment, if a provider decides it is appropriate. Regular lab work and some exams still need to happen in person.

What are the warning signs of a diabetes emergency?

Confusion, fruity breath with vomiting, fast deep breathing, or fainting can be signs of dangerously high or low blood sugar. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if these happen.

How often should diabetes be checked by a provider?

It depends on your type of diabetes, your treatment, and how well your blood sugar is controlled. Many people check in every few months, and your provider can tell you what schedule fits you.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.