The ABCs of Diabetes
The "ABCs" and other tests help your health care team manage your diabetes. Your doctor will set goals for each.
stands for A1C
The A1C test measures the average amount of sugar that has been in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C goal of less than 7% for many adults with diabetes. The A1C goal for some people may need to be higher or lower. Ask your doctor what is the right A1C goal for you.
stands for blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your blood vessels. Many people with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your body. You should have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor.
The ADA recommends a blood pressure of less than 140/80 mmHg for many adults with diabetes. A different blood pressure goal may be right for you. Ask your doctor what blood pressure goal is right for you.
stands for cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) are 2 types of cholesterol in your blood. LDL is "bad" because it narrows or blocks blood vessels. This can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. HDL is often called "good" because it can carry "bad" cholesterol away from the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol levels are checked with a blood test. Most adults should have a fasting lipid profile done at least once a year.
The ADA suggests that most adults with type 2 diabetes should aim for an LDL of less than 100 mg/dL. HDL should be more than 40 mg/dL for men, and more than 50 mg/dL for women.
Your doctor will set goals that are right for you.
The "ABCs" and other tests help your health care team manage your diabetes. Your doctor will set goals for each.
stands for A1C
The A1C test measures the average amount of sugar that has been in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C goal of less than 7% for many adults with diabetes. The A1C goal for some people may need to be higher or lower. Ask your doctor what is the right A1C goal for you.
stands for blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your blood vessels. Many people with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that your heart is working harder than it should to pump blood through your body. You should have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor.
The ADA recommends a blood pressure of less than 140/80 mmHg for many adults with diabetes. A different blood pressure goal may be right for you. Ask your doctor what blood pressure goal is right for you.
stands for cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) are 2 types of cholesterol in your blood. LDL is "bad" because it narrows or blocks blood vessels. This can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. HDL is often called "good" because it can carry "bad" cholesterol away from the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol levels are checked with a blood test. Most adults should have a fasting lipid profile done at least once a year.
The ADA suggests that most adults with type 2 diabetes should aim for an LDL of less than 100 mg/dL. HDL should be more than 40 mg/dL for men, and more than 50 mg/dL for women.
Your doctor will set goals that are right for you.
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