All About Diabetes

Out-of-control blood sugar can lead to serious health complications, including:

• heart disease
• stroke
• blindness
• kidney failure
• nerve damage
• advanced memory loss 

Who’s at risk for type 2 diabetes?

There's nothing you can do to prevent type 1 diabetes. There's also no cure for either type. But there are things you can do to manage your risk and manage your diabetes.

• Lose or maintain your weight. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with body mass index (BMI) A small weight loss can make a big difference. Studies show losing just seven to 10% of your body weight can lower the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60%.
• Get active. Physical activity lowers your blood sugar. It also boosts your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range. Try to exercise at least three days a week for at least 30 minutes each time, and don't go more than two days without physical activity.
• Keep your numbers in check. Blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure are monitored at your annual visits, and more regularly if you're diabetic or have other health conditions.
• Hemoglobin A1C. A blood draw tests your A1C, which measures the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood over the past three months. If you're healthy, you'll likely have this checked at your annual wellness exam. Depending on your health, age and family history, your doctor may request a different frequency. If you have diabetes, your doctor may monitor your A1C every few months.
  • NormalA1C – less than 5.7%
  • Prediabetes(insulin resistance) – 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes – 6.5% or higher
• Cholesterol. You may have genetic factors you can't do anything about when it comes to your cholesterol, so control what you can: the amount of fatty foods you eat. A simple blood test will measure these three key cholesterol numbers.
  • HDL or “good" cholesterol– a number above 60 mg/dl is best
  • LDL or “bad" cholesterol– 100 mg/dl or lower is best
  • total cholesterol– should be less than 200 mg/dL
• Blood pressure. About one out of every three Americans has high blood pressure, and people with diabetes are twice as likely to have high blood pressure.
  • Almost two-thirds of diabetics have a reading of more than 130/80 mm Hg.
  • Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
  • Because high blood pressure typically has no symptoms , it's important to have it checked regularly.
  • Your doctor may prescribe a blood pressure monitor so you can check at home.
• Go to the eye doctor. People with diabetes are at risk for cataracts, blindness and diabetic retinopathy . Blurred or spotty vision may be an early warning sign, or there may be no symptoms at all. That's why it's so important to keep up with your annual eye exams.
• Go to the dentist. Gum disease risk is greater with diabetes, so it's important to have regular dental checkups.
• Pay attention to your mental health. Diabetics are two to three times more likely to have depression and only a fraction of people who are depressed get treatment. People who are depressed may also be less likely to take care of themselves and keep up with diabetes management. Keeping up with your mental health can help you feel better in mind and body.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can raise your blood sugar. If you smoke, your risk for Type 2 diabetes goes up by 30 to 40 percent.
• Get enough sleep. Did you know when you sleep less than seven hours each night , you boost your risk for insulin resistance?
• Improve your diet. Eating foods that are naturally rich in nutrients and low in fats and calories can lower your risk for diabetes. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and heart-healthy fish.