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This publication has been reviewed by NDEP for plain language principles. Learn more about our review process. Actions you can takeThe marks in this booklet show actions you can take to manage your diabetes.Step 1: Learn about diabetes.What is diabetes?There are three main types of diabetes:
You are the most important member of your health care team.You are the one who manages your diabetes day by day. Talk to your doctor about how you can best care for your diabetes to stay healthy. Some others who can help are:
How to learn more about diabetes.
Take diabetes seriously.You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it. People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, move more every day, and take their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! Why take care of your diabetes?Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to:
You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as:
Actions you can takeStep 2: Know your diabetes ABCs.Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. A for the A1C test (A-one-C).What is it?The A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It is different from the blood sugar checks you do each day. Why is it important?You need to know your blood sugar levels over time. You don’t want those numbers to get too high. High levels of blood sugar can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes. What is the A1C goal?The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. B for Blood pressure.What is it?Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels. Why is it important?If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, and damage your kidneys and eyes. What is the blood pressure goal?The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. C for Cholesterol (ko-LESS-tuh-ruhl).What is it?There are two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels. What are the LDL and HDL goals?Ask what your cholesterol numbers should be. Your goals may be different from other people. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. Actions you can takeStep 3: Learn how to live with diabetes.It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes. You may know the steps you should take to stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with your plan over time. This section has tips on how to cope with your diabetes, eat well, and be active. Cope with your diabetes.
Eat well.
Be active.
Know what to do every day.
Talk to your health care team.
Actions you can takeStep 4: Get routine care to stay healthy.See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early. At each visit, be sure you have a:
Two times each year, have an:
Once each year, be sure you have a:
At least once in your lifetime, get a:
Medicare and diabetes.If you have Medicare, check to see how your plan covers diabetes care. Medicare covers some of the costs for:
Actions you can takeThings to Remember:
My Diabetes Care Record: Page 1How to use the record.First read the shaded bar across the page. This tells you:
Then, write down the date and results for each test or check-up you get. Take this card with you on your health care visits. Show it to your health care team. Talk about your goals and how you are doing.
My Diabetes Care Record: Page 2How to use the record.Use this page to write down the date and results of each test, exam, or shot.
Self Checks of Blood SugarHow to use this card.This card has three sections. Each section tells you when to check your blood sugar: before each meal, 1 to 2 hours after each meal, and at bedtime. Each time you check your blood sugar, write down the date, time, and results. Take this card with you on your health care visits. Show it to your health care team. Talk about your goals and how you are doing.
* Your blood sugar goals may be different if you are an older adult (over 65) and have had diabetes a long time. They may be different if you have other health problems like heart disease, or your blood sugar often gets too low. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations. What foods can lower blood sugar quickly?The 17 Best Foods to Lower (or Regulate) Your Blood Sugar. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-sugar-reducing properties. ... . Seafood. ... . Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. ... . Nuts and nut butter. ... . Okra. ... . Flax seeds. ... . Beans and lentils. ... . Kimchi and sauerkraut.. How can I quickly lower my blood sugar?When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.. whole grains.. fruits.. vegetables.. lean proteins.. Can drinking water lower blood sugar?Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk ( 22 , 23 ).
What is normal blood sugar by age?From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for adults. From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for children, 13 to 19 years old. From 90 to 180 mg/dL (5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children, 6 to 12 years old. From 100 to 180 mg/dL (5.5 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children under 6 years old.
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