Cholesterol And Hypertension Uncontrolled In Most People With Diabetes (NAPSA)—The statistics that link diabetes, heart disease and stroke are alarming. Despite scientific evidence showing that two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, most people with diabetes arestill failing to meet the important blood pressure and cholesterol goals necessary to reduce their cardiovascularrisks. Several research studies pre- sented at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in June 2004 indicate that most people with diabetes are not meeting their blood pressure and cholesterol goals and are putting themselves at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Some of the research findings indicate that: e Only 37 percent of people with diabetes meet the ADA’s target goal for LDL, or “bad,” choles- terol (< 100 mg). e Nearly half of all people with diabetes have uncontrolled high blood pressure. These key components of care are called the ABCs of Diabetes. e A1C (A-one-see), a test that measures average blood sugar over the past 3 months: less than 7 Blood pressure: below 130/80 Cholesterol (LDL): below 100 If you have diabetes, talk to your health care provider about steps you can take to reach your ABC goals. You may have to make changes to your meal plan or exer- cise plan. Usually medicines are needed to keep your ABCs on track. Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke is a e Many diabetes specialists still do not recognize that diabetes is a “coronary equivalent” and, therefore, do not set low enough cholesterol goals for their diabetes joint initiative of the American While managing blood glucose (sugar) has always been and remains a cornerstone of diabetes care, diabetes requires a comprehensive program that includes management of blood glucose, physicians and people with diabetes about how to reduce those patients. blood pressure and cholesterol. Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology that works to increase awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease and help educate risks. For more information, or to receive materials from Make the Link!, log onto www.diabetes.org/ MakeTheLink or call 1-800-DIA- BETES (1-800-342-2383).
