In today's managed-care environment, doctor's appointments, tests, and treatments are frequently dictated by the bottom line of your insurance company. However, many insurance providers recognize the value, both physically and monetarily, of increasing their investment in preventive care to avoid bigger bills down the road. Diabetes-related cardiovascular complications alone cost the United States over $22 billion in direct medical costs in 2007.

You will probably see your doctor more frequently immediately following diagnosis as you work to normalize your blood glucose levels. Once you've found a treatment routine that works for you, the time between visits may be extended to quarterly or possibly twice a year. If you change your medication or insulin routine at any time, your team will probably want to monitor you more closely for a period of time.