Clinic visits usually involve either blood tests being done at the time, or (better) they may be done in advance so the doctor has the results to discuss with you at the appointment. HbA1c (average bs over approx the past 2 months) is a key result. Usually also tests are done for liver and kidney function, cholesterol and thyroid function - though I'm not sure if these apply to youngsters. A urine sample will probably be checked and he'll be weighed and measured. He'll probably have his injection sites looked at and of course his bs diary will be examined. You and he will have the chance to raise any issues or ask any questions that are bothering you or anything you don't understand. Usually its a mixture of encouragement, suggesting any improvements that need to be made, and making sure he understands the importance of taking his insulin, not skipping meals, not scoffing sweets etc that aren't programmed into his regime.
Usually overall these reviews have a positive tone, but I have one word of caution. If things aren't going well, "the experts" sometimes assume the patient is not bothering to take care of themselves. If they can't fix it, the patient must be lying! So if at any time your son is doing everything right and still having problems, back him up and make sure the doctors/nurses realise there really is something that needs sorting out. I have bitter memories of how soul-destroying it can be to go to clinic begging for help and just get told to pull your finger out and lectured about complications. Wouldn't wish that on anybody.
