by Martha Funnell, M.S., R.N., C.D.E. Chair, National Diabetes Education Program (NAPSA)—Living with diabetes is not easy. Type 2 diabetes is serious andthere is a lot to do each and every day. But, you can learn how to better manage your diabetes. Choose a goal and make a plan. By taking it one step and one day at a time, you can doit. Remember, your health care team is here to help. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) recommendsfive questions you can ask your health care team to help you learn how to manage your diabetes and live a long, healthylife: What are my ABCs (AIC, blood pressure, and cholesterol) and what should mine be? AIC is a measure of blood glucose (sugar) levels over the past two to three months. The target for most people with diabetes is less than 7 percent. For most people with diabetes, the target blood pressure is less than 130/80 and the target LDL (bad) cholesterol is less than 100. Keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and choles- terol close to these target levels reduces your risk for the long-term problems of diabetes. Ask your health care team to help you choose the best targets for your diabetes. How will I know if the take steps to manage your own diabetes, think about how you can help your children and grandchil- dren take steps to stay healthy and avoid diabetes in the future. Ask your health care team about local resources for healthy eating and activity. e When should I schedule my next routine visit? Before leaving the health care team’s office, ask to schedule your next visit. People with diabetes should get at least two checkups a year for routine care. How can I learn more medicines I take for diabetes are working? If your home blood glucose readings and your A1C are within your target range, then your medicines plus all of your efforts are working. If your blood glucose checks and AIC level are not within your target ranges, then it’s time to review how your medicines, food and activity are balanced. Bring your medicines and blood glucose log to your appointments and talk to your health care team about what may or maynot be workingfor you. e Are my children at risk for type 2 diabetes? Diabetes runs in families. A healthy weight and physical activity help a great deal to reduce the risk. As you about type 2 diabetes? Ask your health care team aboutlocal diabetes education programs, organizations, and support groups that can help you learn about how to better live and cope with diabetes. NDEP has free online resources for people with type 2 diabetes and prevention materials for your family. Request a copy of 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes. For Life. by contacting NDEP at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org or calling (888) 693-NDEP (6337); TTY: (866) 569-1161. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.
