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A1C Know your Hemoglobin A1C. This number reflects the three month average of all your blood sugars. The normal value is below 6%. The higher this number is, the more likely you are to suffer complications from diabetes. These complications include heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and gangrene. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that you should know this number, and that your goal should be 7% or less. The experts on diabetes, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, say that your goal should be 6.5% or less. If this number goes to 8%, that is a signal for your doctor to increase the dose of your medications, or to start you on insulin. Blood Pressure High blood pressure is more damaging to a diabetic heart than a non-diabetic heart. Normally, the goal is to keep your pressure below 140/90. For diabetics, your goal is to keep it at 130/80 or less. Cut down on your salt intake as much as possible. Read labels on foods. The American Heart Association now recommends that you limit your sodium intake to less than 1500 mg. per day. (you will see that this is difficult to do) Exercise Exercise is very important. And you don't have to join any Olympic training program to get good exercise. A brisk walk is good exercise. But you must do it on a daily basis (or at least 5 times a week) and for at least 30 minutes a day. This is a minimum. It is OK to do more than the minimum. Even if you don't lose any weight, the exercise itself will make every cell in your body more sensitive to the insulin that you do have circulating in your bloodstream. Lack of exercise is an underlying cause of type 2 diabetes. Diet Diet is also very important. Seeing a nutritionist or dietician is a good idea. Studies have shown that diabetics who have had at least two visits to a dietician or nutritionist have a lower A1C. They can give you useful information on what foods you are eating that are bad for you, and which ones you can increase. It also shows that the person is more motivated to better control their diabetes. Eyes You need to see an ophthalmologist to dilate your pupils, and to get a good look at your retina to check for damage from diabetes. Some early damage can be treated, and can help avoid blindness. Keep your regular appointments as scheduled. Feet Diabetes can cause nerve damage, and poor circulation in your feet. Small cuts may not be noticed, and they might become deep ulcers without you being able to feel them. It is a good idea to get into the habit of checking your feet every day. Look at the top, look at the bottom, and check between your toes. Any wound or cut that is not healing normally should be brought to your doctor's attention as soon as possible. Smoking Smoking is absolutely the worst possible thing you can do if you have diabetes. Most complications from diabetes are caused by poor circulation to the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and legs. Smoking blocks the same arteries as diabetes, and you are multiplying your chances of death and complications from diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a very informative website at http://www.diabetes.org |
Recommended glycemic goals
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