Diabetes health care

It is important for you to know what target values for blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol are best for you! This is best determined by you and your healthcare team, based upon factors such as your age, your general health, whether you have complications of diabetes, and what the potential side effects of medications are for you.

HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c is a 2-3 month average of your blood sugar level. Know your target number!

Blood Pressure: Controlling blood pressure is the most effective treatment for preventing cardiovascular disease in persons with diabetes. Check your blood pressure at home. Have your blood pressure checked at every doctor’s visit. Know your target level!

Cholesterol: Know your cholesterol level goal to protect your heart!

Eyes: Know whether or not you have signs of diabetes related eye disease (retinopathy), and establish a schedule for a dilated (drops in your eyes) eye examination by an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist). Ask your health provider how often you should have an eye examination. Frequency of eye exams also depends on whether you have other eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Feet: Look at your feet daily. Tell your health provider about any changes. Have your health provider look at your feet at each visit. Symptoms of pain and numbness in your feet are not always present, so ask your provider whether you have signs of blood vessel or nerve damage in your feet. If you have blood vessel or nerve damage, you are at higher risk for developing severe foot conditions and should be under the care of a foot specialist.

Kidney Function: Protein in urine is an early sign of kidney disease. Know whether you have protein in your urine or more serious kidney disease. Your health provider can determine this from a urine and blood test. If you have protein in your urine, this may help determine your A1c and Blood Pressure target goals. Also, your health provider may want to consider certain medications for you.