Diabetes is a serious disease. It affects almost every part of the
body. Even if you have lived with diabetes for a while, you
may want to do more to take care of yourself.
Step 1: Learn about diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes - the body does not make insulin. People with type
1 need to take insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes - the body does not make or use insulin well. People
with type 2 often need to take pills or insulin. Type 2 is the most
common form of diabetes.
All people with diabetes need to eat healthy foods, stay at a healthy
weight, and be active every day.
Diabetes is a serious disease.
Terms
such as "a touch of diabetes" or "your sugar is a little high" suggest
that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct and these
terms should not be used.
Taking good care of diabetes will help you feel better and avoid the health problems diabetes can cause such as:
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heart disease and stroke.
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eye disease that can lead to vision problems or even going blind.
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nerve damage that can cause your hands and feet to feel numb. This can lead to loss of a foot or a leg.
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kidney problems.
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gum disease and loss of teeth.
When your diabetes is in good control, you are more likely to feel better and
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be less tired and thirsty and urinate less often.
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heal better and have fewer gum, skin, or bladder infections.
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be less likely to have blurry vision or numb hands or feet.
Some people are more likely to get diabetes.
Some people may have a higher chance of getting diabetes. They should ask their doctor if they need to be tested for diabetes.
These include people who
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are ages 45 and older
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are overweight
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are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American Indian
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have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
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have high blood pressure (above 140/90)
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have low HDL (good cholesterol) and high levels of blood fats
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have had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a large baby (over 9 pounds)
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are active less than three times a week
Ask your health care team what type of diabetes you have.
Know why diabetes is serious.
Know who is more likely to get diabetes.
Ask if you should be tested for diabetes if you think you are at risk.
Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs. Manage your A1C (blood glucose or sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol.
This will help lower your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke,
or other diabetes problems. These are called the ABCs of diabetes.
A is for the A1C test.
It
shows how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last 3
months. It should be checked at least twice a year. The goal for most
people is less than 7. High blood glucose levels can harm your kidneys,
feet, and eyes.
B is for blood pressure.
The
goal for most people is 130/80. High blood pressure makes your heart
work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
C is for cholesterol.
The
LDL goal for most people is less than 100. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, can
build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a
stroke.
Ask your health care team:
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What are my A1C (blood glucose), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol numbers?
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What should my ABC numbers be?
Step 3: Manage your diabetes.
Many people avoid the long-term problems of diabetes by taking good
care of themselves and the ABCs of diabetes. Work with your health care
team, friends, and family to make healthy lifestyle choices and reach
your ABC goals.
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Follow your diabetes food plan. If you do not have one, ask your health care team about it.
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Eat the right portions of healthy foods
such as fruits and vegetables (5 to 9 servings a day), fish, lean
meats, dry beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
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Eat foods that have less salt and fat.
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Get 30 to 60 minutes of activity on most days of the week.
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Stay at a healthy weight - by being active and eating the right amounts of healthy foods.
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Stop smoking - seek help to quit.
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Take medicines the way your doctor tells you. Ask if you need aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.
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Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that won't heal.
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Brush your teeth and floss every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums.
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Check your blood glucose the way your doctor tells you to.
Work with your health care team to manage your diabetes and stay healthy.
If you have Medicare Part B, ask your health care team how to get some of the cost paid for
Step 4: Get routine care to avoid problems.
See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat problems early. Follow this plan. At each visit get a:
Twice a year get a:
Once each year get a:
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Cholesterol check - if LDL over 100, ask what steps to take to reach your goal
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Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
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Complete foot exam to check on foot health
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Urine and blood tests to check for kidney problems
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Flu shot
At least once get a:
Content Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
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