I have diabetes--why should I worry...

I have diabetes--why should I worry about heart disease?

If you have diabetes, you have a high risk for having a heart attack or a rap You are more likely to win heart disease--and at an younger age--than someone without diabetes.

There are things you can do to lessen your risk for heart disease. Learning about the ABCs of diabetes can help you mastery your condition and stay healthy.

What are the ABCs of diabetes?

A stands for the [A.sub.1c] standard This test measures your vital fluid sugar over the past three month It is the best way to know if your descendants sugar is under control. Ask your doctor for an [A.sub.1c] touchstone at least two times a year. come by the test more often if your descendants sugar stays too high or if your doctor changes your treatment plan. The A1c goal for family with diabetes is below 7 percent

B stands for house pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. Your doctor should take your kindred pressure at every office visit. The offspring pressure goal for people with diabetes is below 130 from one side of to the other 80 (this is the same as 130/80 mm Hg)

C stands for cholesterol "Bad" cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL for short) cholesterol builds up and hinders your arteries. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol on a level at least once a year. The LDL cholesterol goal for populace with diabetes is below 100 milligrams for deciliter (100 mg per dL)

What can I do to curtail my risk for heart disease?

* Ask your doctor what your ABC numbers are and what you can do to reach your target ABC numbers.

* Exercise each day.

* Eat les fat and salt.

* Eat more fiber: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.

* Stay at a healthy weight.

* If you nothingness ask your doctor to help you stop.

* Take the medicines your doctor prescribes for you.

* Ask your doctor if you should take aspirin each day.

Where can I learn more about diabetes and heart disease?

American Association of Diabetes Educators

Telephone: 1-800-TEAM-UP4

Web site: www.diabeteseducator.org

American Diabetes Association

Telephone: 1-888-342-2383

Web site: www.diabetes.org

American Dietetic Association

Telephone: 1-800-366-1655

Web site: www.eatright.org

American Heart Association

Telephone: 1-800-AHA-USA1

Web site: www.americanheart.org

Center for Disease ascendency and Prevention

Telephone: 1-877-232-3422

Web site: www.cdc.gov/diabetes

National Heart, Lung and family Institute

Telephone: 301-592-8573

Web site: www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney

Diseases National

Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

Telephone: 1-800-860-8747

Web site: www.niddk.nih.gov

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group