<s>[INST] I am 66 yrs old, a diabetic, overweight and I have been suffering from shortness of breath for about a month. It has been getting a little worse each week. I am scheduled Aug 23 for an echo test. Should I request testing sooner or a different test? Thank you [/INST] Hi.  Shortness of breath in diabetics may be a sign of heart disease.  If it is new and getting worse, it requires urgent attention.  Your physician will probably order a chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work.  Possibilities include congestive heart failure, angina, possible heart attack, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in your lungs) and possibly anemia which can also cause these symptoms.  Hope this helps. </s>