Stay Healthy with Diabetes
There are 2 things that are key to staying healthy if you have diabetes.
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control or as near to normal as you can. Work to keep your A1C (average blood sugar) less than 7%.
- Have check-ups yearly. Your doctor can do the tests to screen for complications or problems with diabetes.
Keep Blood Sugars Controlled
Two major studies have proven that keeping blood sugars near the normal range will help to prevent and/or delay problems with the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
- The Diabetes Complication and Control Trial (DCCT) studied 1400 people with type 1 diabetes.
- The United Kingdom and Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) studied 5000 people with type 2 diabetes.
Both studies showed the same results. The group of people who kept their A1C 7% or lower had fewer eye, kidney and nerve problems.
- Eye problems (Retinopathy) decreased by 76%
- Kidney problems (Nephropathy) decreased by 35-56%
- Nerve problems (Neuropathy) decreased by 60%
The best thing you can do is to keep blood sugars in good control. Keep your A1C less than 7%. Any decrease of your A1C will help to keep you healthy!
You need to be seen your doctor at least once a year You should see your doctor more often if your blood sugars are not in good control. Some tests may need to be done yearly or more often if they are not normal or within your goal. Because these problems often have no symptoms in the early stages, screening is needed to detect problems that can occur. These problems are easier to treat and respond better to treatment when caught early.
The chart on the next page has a list of tests that should be done every year or more often. These guidelines are from the American Diabetes Association.
Because diabetes care is a team effort, please share these guidelines with your health care team. You can stay healthy with diabetes! It’s up to YOU!
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Tests to Stay Healthy |
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Screening Needed
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How Often |
Test to Be Done |
Your Goal |
Test Results and Date |
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Eye Care |
Yearly |
Dilated eye exam |
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Kidney Function |
Yearly |
Urine microalbumin |
Less than 30 mg/l |
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Nerves and Foot Care |
Yearly |
Foot exam with monofilament; color, pulses, and temperature |
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Daily |
Check your feet |
Report any problems to doctor |
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Heart and Blood Vessels |
Yearly |
Total Cholesterol |
Less than 200 |
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Triglycerides |
Less than 150 |
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HDL Cholesterol |
More than 45 for men; More than 55 for women |
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LDL Cholesterol |
Less than 100 |
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Each Visit |
Blood Pressure |
Less than 130/80 |
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Dental Health |
Every 6 months |
Cleaning and Check-up |
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Blood Sugar Control |
Each Visit |
Blood sugar records |
90 - 130 mg/dl |
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Every 3-6 months |
A1C |
Less than 7% |
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Yearly |
Compare meter to lab result |
Within15% of lab result |
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Education |
Yearly |
Nutrition visit |
Weight and nutrition assessment |
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Diabetes nurse educator visit |
Education and assessment |
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Illness Prevention |
Yearly |
Flu shot |
Discuss with doctor |
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As Needed |
Pneumonia Shot |
Discuss with doctor |
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Other Concerns |
Each visit |
Quit Smoking |
1-800-270-STOP |
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Routine Exercise |
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Decrease alcohol intake |
1-2 drinks per day |
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The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/10/2010
Copyright © 08/10/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4814
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