Benefits of Staying in Control

Taking good care of your diabetes today may help you avoid other health-related problems often related to diabetes in the years to come. Your health care team will help you design the best care plan. The primary goals of a diabetes care plan are to:

• Keep blood glucose readings at target levels, which are:
  • 90 to 130 mg/dl before meals
  • Less than 180 mg/dl two hours after meals
• Maintain your hemoglobin A1C levels at 7 percent or less.

What Are the Complications of Diabetes?

• Damage to and narrowing of large blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and/or amputation of a limb (such as a toe, foot or leg)
• Damage to small blood vessels, such as those in the eyes (which can threaten your vision) and kidneys

Does Everyone with Diabetes Experience Complications?

No! Staying in good control by keeping your blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C levels at good levels can help you avoid completely or at least delay the onset of complications.

The best way to know if you are reaching desirable blood glucose levels is to check your blood glucose levels every day, at least as often as your doctor suggests. The results you obtain at various times of the day help you and your doctor determine the best care plan. This will help you reach your target blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels, ultimately helping you avoid or delay diabetes complications.

Will I Always Have the Same Diabetes Care Plan?

You may have to work with your doctor to modify your care plan if you experience any of the following changes:

• Losing or gaining weight
• Increased or decreased activity level
• Changes in medication(s) and/or insulin
• More or less stress in your everyday life
• Becoming pregnant

The only way to know if your diabetes care plan is working is to continue to monitor your blood glucose levels. Check your blood glucose levels at least as often as your doctor suggests every day to stay on top of your diabetes care.

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