Patients
Diabetes
Do you know your ABCs?
Printable version [PDF]
For people with diabetes, they are the first line of defense against heart attack and stroke.
Good health is a definite option!
You may already know that people with diabetes have to work a little harder to stay healthy. But then, staying healthy has many rewards. Lots of people with diabetes stay active, experience life to its fullest, and live to enjoy senior citizen status.
Having diabetes does mean you have an added incentive to stay healthy. Diabetes signals a high risk for heart attack and stroke. In fact, heart disease is more likely to strike you - and at an earlier age - than someone without diabetes. But you can fight back. If you take care of your heart by taking care of the ABCs of diabetes, you can live a long and healthy life.
Keep close tabs on your ABCs and try to hit these target measurements and you¹ll be doing great.
|
A is for A1C The A1C (A-one-C) test- short for hemoglobin A1C- mesasures your average blood glucose (sugar) over the last 3 months. Suggested target: below 7 |
B is for blood pressure High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. Suggested target: below 130/80 |
C is for cholesterol Bad cholesterol, or LDL, builds up and clogs your arteries. Suggested target: below 70 |
Taking Control of Your ABCs.
It's important to keep regular tabs on your ABCs. Know what your numbers are and what your target numbers should be. It¹s also very important to know what actions you can take to help you reach your ABC target numbers.
You can start right away.
Start taking action today to lower your risk for heart attack and stroke and other problems associated with diabetes:
- Make physical activity a part of every day.
- Eat less fat and salt.
- Eat more fiber by choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking. (Your doctor would love to help you!)
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Ask your doctor about taking aspirin.
- Ask others to help you manage your diabetes.
Numbers to know...
The targets listed below are suggested by the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association. Talk to us about your ABC targets.
| Tests | Target | How Often? |
|---|---|---|
| A1C (Glucose Average) |
Below 7* |
SAt least twice a year |
|
Blood
pressure |
Below 130/80 |
At every visit |
|
Cholesterol (LDL) | Below 70 |
At least |
* An A1C of 7 equals an average blood glucose of 150.
Keep a record of your ABCs!
Work with us to reach your target numbers.
| A1C (glucose average) My A Target |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DATE | ||||
| RESULT | ||||
|
Blood Pressure My B Target MY TARGET |
||||
| DATE | ||||
| RESULT | ||||
| Cholesterol (LDL) My C Target |
||||
| DATE | ||||
| RESULT | ||||