Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs.

Manage your A1C (blood glucose or sugar), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This will help lower your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, or other diabetes problems. These are called the ABCs of diabetes.

A is for the A1C test.
It shows how well your blood glucose has been controlled over the last 3 months. It should be checked at least twice a year. The goal for most people is less than 7.

High blood glucose levels can harm your kidneys, feet, and eyes.


B is for blood pressure.
The goal for most people is 130/80.

High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.


C is for cholesterol.
The LDL goal for most people is less than 100.

Bad cholesterol, or LDL, can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke.


» Ask your health care team:

• What are my A1C (blood glucose), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol numbers?
  
  
• What should my ABC numbers be?

» Use this record card to write down your numbers.


For more information:

Be Smart About Your Heart Print version (PDF* 264k)

Si Tiene Diabetes, Cuide Su Corazón Print version (PDF* 204k)

Take Care of Your Heart (for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders)

Diabetes and CVD Fact Sheet Print version (PDF* 188k)

If You Have Diabetes, Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers Print version (PDF* 508k)

Power to Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands Print version (PDF* 484k)

source: http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/control/4steps.htm