Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body. Therefore, you will need to manage your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar. Managing your blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol, can help prevent the health problems that can occur when you have diabetes.
Different ways to manage diabetes:
A1C test:
The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent.
Blood pressure:
The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg. Ask what your goal should be.
Cholesterol:
There are two types of cholesterol; HDL and LDL. One should take medication for LDL cholesterol.
Stop smoking:
Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. Blood vessel narrowing makes your heart work harder. E-cigarettes aren’t a safe option either.
Physical Activity:
One should at least do 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
Check your blood glucose levels:
For many people with diabetes, checking their blood glucose level each day is an important way to manage their diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose level is most important if you take insulin.
Diabetes meal plan:
One should make a diabetes meal plan with the help of their doctor. Following a meal plan will help manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
What are the recommended targets for blood glucose levels?
Many people with diabetes aim to keep their blood glucose at these normal levels:
Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
About 2 hours after a meal starts: less than 180 mg/dL
Talk with your health care team about the best target range for you. Be sure to tell your health care professional if your glucose levels often go above or below your target range.