Protect Your Heart Against Diabetes

Contents

From Head to Toe, Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Do You Have Diabetes?
Juan's Family Plan To Prevent Diabetes
Take Action!
My Heart Health Card
Play It Smart, Take Care of Your Heart
Resources

Do You Have Diabetes?

Have Your Blood Glucose Checked

Your doctor can test your fasting blood glucose.

Check the chart to see if your blood glucose level is normal.

Juan says: "My doctor told me I need to know the ABCs of diabetes control to prevent and control type 2 diabetes."

What Are the ABCs of Diabetes Control?

• A is for the A1C test. This test measures how your blood glucose has been for the last 3 months. It lets you know if your blood glucose has been under control. Get this test done at least twice a year.
  Number to aim for: less than 7%
  
  
• B is for blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work. Get your blood pressure checked at every doctor's visit.
  Numbers to aim for: below 130/80 mmHg
  
  
• C is for cholesterol. "Bad" cholesterol—or LDL—builds up and clogs your arteries. Get your blood cholesterol tested at least once a year.
  Number to aim for: below 100 mg/dL

Be Sure To Ask Your Doctor

• What are the results of my A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol tests?
• If my numbers are not normal, what actions should I take to lower my ABC numbers?
• How can I find a local diabetes program for education and support?

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIH Publication No. 08-6355
June 2008