Control Your ABCs of Diabetes
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From hemoglobin A1C to cholesterol, here are the levels to watch for better health.
The number of people living with type 2 diabetes has increased at an alarming rate and includes more children, adolescents, and young adults today than in years past. To help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease and to educate people with diabetes and their health care providers, the Be Smart About Your Heart: Control the ABCs of Diabetes campaign was created. Controlling the ABCs of diabetes can help those with diabetes minimize their risk for the negative health consequences sometimes associated with diabetes such as blindness, kidney and heart disease, stroke, and limb amputation.
The A in ABC
The "A" in ABC stands for hemoglobin A1C. This test is an indicator of average blood glucose during the past two to three months. Have A1C checked at least twice yearly. It's important for both diabetes prevention and management that the glucose levels in your bloodstream remain in normal range. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people who have diabetes maintain their A1C levels at 7% or less.
The B in ABC
The "B" in ABC refers to blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts an added strain on your body and increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. This is especially true for those with diabetes, but it is important for everyone to keep blood pressure under control. The ADA recommends blood pressure be less than 130/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure should be checked at every doctor's visit. If you are unable to control your blood pressure by changing your diet and increasing physical activity, your health care provider may recommend a regimen that includes drug therapy.
The C in ABC
The "C" in ABC refers to cholesterol. It used to be that health guidelines suggested keeping total cholesterol below 200 mg/dl. Now the ADA suggests maintaining a LDL (bad) cholesterol level at less than 100 mg/dl and having it checked at least annually. A healthy diet and plenty of physical activity are essential for good health. If diet and exercise are ineffective at keeping LDL cholesterol down, talk to your doctor to determine a plan that's right for you.
What the Letters Mean for You
Knowing the ABCs of diabetes can help those who have diabetes work with their health care team to develop an action plan to bring their ABCs to their target levels. The plan can include weight management through healthy eating and regular physical activity, and drug therapy, if needed. In addition, people with diabetes can further reduce their risk of heart disease by quitting smoking. In large part, the eating habits and physical activity needed to maintain a healthy body weight are similar to those to prevent or manage diabetes—although more precise dietary guidelines may be needed for diabetes management and keeping blood glucose levels at target levels. Here are some healthy lifestyle suggestions:
Eat less of foods that can raise blood cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease. Instead, choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, lean meats, fish, poultry, and legumes.
Eat more of foods that may help lower blood cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease. Choose plenty of foods high in fiber such as oats, barley, dried peas and beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Build your leisure time around activities that keep you moving. Plan exercise and games that involve walking, running, swimming, cycling, skiing, and other physical activities you can enjoy alone or in a group.
In choosing to live a healthier lifestyle, you can also remind yourself of another acronym for the ABCs—Active By Choice. By adopting an active lifestyle, you may serve as a role model for friends and family, and show others that it's important to control their ABCs.
