Diabetes ABC

Did you know you have a diabetes ABC? 
·       A:  A1C (a blood glucose test which shows your blood sugar average for the last 2-3 months. 
·       B:  blood pressure  Your blood pressure shows the pressure inside your blood vessels when your heart is pumping (the systolic or top number) and when your heart is resting (diastolic or bottom number).  When your blood pressure is high, your heart is having to work too hard and damage can occur.  What is your blood pressure?  The ADA recommends below 140/90.  Your doctor may have a lower number as the American Heart Association has lowered their recommended blood pressure goal to 120/80. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Understanding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article.jsp
·       C:  Cholesterol levels affect your blood supply to all parts of your body.  A recommended total cholesterol level is below 200, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) should be under 100 mg/dL. HDL (healthy or good) cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL for men (50 mg/dL for women) and triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL.  High triglycerides mean you are eating more than your body can process. 

Other recommendations for caring for your type 2 diabetes involve healthy eating, losing weight if needed, and physical activity.  Do you know that many hospitals/medical centers/clinics provide diabetes teaching classes?  If you are newly diagnosed, ask if diabetes classes are available and whether your insurance/Medicare will pay for these classes.  If you get some new recipes which fit your new diabetic lifestyle, you may find it easier to eat healthy and keep your blood sugar under control.  Also regular physical activity helps lower blood sugar as well as blood pressure and cholesterol. 

I have seen people who upon learning they were diabetic, worked with their doctors and controlled their blood sugar by losing weight and eating healthy.  If diet and losing weight aren’t enough to control the blood sugar level, medications may be needed to control a person’s blood sugar.  Diabetes pills and insulin medications are available by prescription to help keep blood sugar within normal range.  People dealing with diabetes must work with their doctor to get the best management of this condition. 

 

Next week --Watch your Feet