Step 2: Know Your Diabetes ABCs. (A1C, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol)
Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C (blood glucose or sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This will help lower your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, or other diabetes problems. Here’s what the ABCs of diabetes stand for:
A for the A1C test
The A1C Test shows you what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C goal for many people is below 7. High blood glucose levels can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.
B 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.
C for Cholesterol.
The LDL goal for most people is less than 100.
The HDL goal for most people is above 40.
LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.
Actions you could take:
- Ask your health care team:
- What your A1C, blood pressure, and Cholesterol numbers are
- What should your ABC numbers should be
- What you can do to reach your targets
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Write down all your numbers on the record card at the back of this booklet.
Publications
Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers
(NDEP-10)
Learn more about the importance of knowing your blood sugar numbers. This publication contains information on the A1C test, self-monitoring blood glucose, and working with a health care team to set blood glucose targets and reach them. In addition to a downloadable file (PDF) of the four-page ...
Take Care of Your Heart. Manage Your Diabetes (in English)
(NDEP-52EN)
This patient education sheet explains the link between diabetes and heart disease. It encourages patients to work with their health care team to set targets and manage their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It includes a record form to track target numbers.
The Power To Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands
(NDEP-38)
This brochure for older adults helps them manage their diabetes, understand how to check blood glucose levels, manage the ABCs of diabetes, and access Medicare benefits.
Resources
National Diabetes Education Program: An Overview
Learn more about the National Diabetes Education Program's initiatives, goals and partnership network.
