Learn Your Diabetic ABCsWhat Are the ABCs?People with diabetes have an increased risk of death and an increased risk of heart disease death.
"A" Is For the A1C Test to Measure Blood SugarShort for hemoglobin A1C, the A1C test is a blood test that measures how your blood sugar levels have been averaging over the past couple months. Depending on the severity of your disease, your A1C level should be checked about 3-4 times a year. "B" Is For Blood PressureTo reduce your risk of diabetes complications, NDEP points out that the goal should be to keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. "C" Is For CholesterolLDL (bad) cholesterol levels should be less than 100. People with diabetes should also try to raise HDL (good) cholesterol (above 40) and lower triglyceride levels. Steps to Lower Heart Disease RiskPeople with diabetes in the United States may not be getting the kind of care they need to prevent heart disease. But NDEP urges people with diabetes to gain control of their A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. A good place to begin is by asking your doctor three important questions about your ABCs:
Just because you have diabetes does not mean you have to die prematurely from heart disease or stroke. Managing the diabetic ABCs can make a real difference. American Diabetes Association National Diabetes Education Program Canadian Council on Food and Nutrition Canadian Diabetes Association All about cholesterol. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabete.... Accessed December 15, 2011. Diabetes mellitus type 2. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated November 30, 2009. Accessed December 18, 2009. For people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian Heritage: important information about diabetes blood tests. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) website. Available at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/traitA1C/index.aspx#test. Updated November 4, 2011. Accessed December 15, 2011. High blood pressure (hypertension). American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabete.... Accessed December 15, 2011. Scientists report new findings on the connection between diabetes and heart disease and stroke. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/News/SearchNews/06_24_2001.htm. Published June 24, 2001. Accessed December 15, 2011. Step 2: know your diabetes ABCs. (A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol). National Diabetes Education Program website. Available at: http://ndep.nih.gov/i-have-diabetes/KnowYourABCs.aspx. Accessed December 15, 2011. Last reviewed December 2011 by Brian Randall, MD |
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