Know Your Numbers

Individuals with diabetes should aim for the following “ABC” target values to reduce their risk for heart attack and stroke:

• A1C <7 (Average blood sugar <150).  The A1C test measures a person’s average blood sugar over an 8- to 12-week period.
• Blood pressure <130/80.
• Cholesterol (LDL “bad” cholesterol) <100 mg/dl.

They should also aim for:

• HDL (good) cholesterol level of:

> 50 mg/dl in women

> 40 mg/dl in men.

• Triglyceride levels <150 mg/dl.

Take Good Care of Yourself

To achieve target health values and to prevent long-term health problems, individuals with diabetes need to:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods and low in salt and sugar.
• Watch their food portion sizes.
• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Not smoke.
• Take prescribed medications as needed to help control and lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol.

Sources:  American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, and NIH National Diabetes Education Program, www.ndep.nih.gov.