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Diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
26. What are the ABCs of
diabetes?
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for people
with diabetes. Controlling the ABCs of diabetes -- your blood
glucose, your blood pressure, and your cholesterol -- can help
prevent these and other complications from diabetes.
The ABCs stand for:
-
A is for the A1C test (A-one-C). It shows you what
your blood glucose has been over the last three months. Your health
care provider does this test to see what your blood glucose level
is most of the time. This test should be done at least twice a year
for all people with diabetes and for some people more often as
needed. For many people with diabetes, an A1C test result of under
7 percent usually means that their diabetes treatment is working
well and their blood glucose is under control.
-
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. Your blood
pressure should be checked at every doctor visit. Talk with your
health care provider about your blood pressure goal.
-
C is for Cholesterol (ko-LES-ter-ol). The LDL goal
for most people is less than 100. Low density lipoprotein, or
LDL-cholesterol, is the bad cholesterol that builds up in your
blood vessels. It causes the vessels to narrow and harden, which
can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor should check your LDL at
least once a year. Talk with your health care provider about your
cholesterol goal.
(Answer continues on next page.)
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