Tips toHelp You Stay Healthy

Tips toHelp You Stay Healthy

Step 1:
Learn About Diabetes
Diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. Diabetes is serious because it can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. But you can learn how to manage it and prevent or delay health problems.

Go to www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.
Ask your diabetes health care team how you can learn more.

Step 2:
Know Your Numbers
Ask your doctor what diabetes target numbers are best for you.They may be different from the numbers at different times. A1C measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months.The A1C target for many people is below 7.

LDL, or bad cholesterol, builds up and clogs your arteries. The LDL  target is below 100.High blood    pressure makes your heart work too hard. The blood  pressure target for most people is less than 130/80.

Step 3:
Manage Your Diabetes
Your diabetes care plan should help  you to: Keep track of your diabetes numbers.

Learn how and when to check your own blood glucose.
See what makes your blood glucose go up or down.Go over the test results with your  health care team. Use them to manage your diabetes. Ask how to prevent low blood glucose.

Be active for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. Brisk  walking is a great way to be active.

Stop smoking - SEEK HELP TO QUIT

Eat healthy foods such as: fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and poultry, dried peas or beans, lentils, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread and crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and cereals food prepared with little added fat, oil, salt, or sugar'smaller servings of meat, fish and  poultry ,larger servings of fruits and vegetables.Seek help if you feel down. Talking with a counselor, friend, family member, support group, or a religiousleader may help you feel better.

Brush your teeth and floss every day to prevent problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums.

Take your medicines even when you feel good. Ask if you need to take low-dose aspirin to prevent  a heart attack or stroke.

Check your feet every day. Call your health care team if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your feet  or toes does not begin to go away after 2 days.

Step 4:
Get Regular Care
Contact your health care team if you have any questions or problems as you manage your diabetes, medicines, or supplies.Talk to your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.