Diabetes: Knowing Your Numbers is Key to Good Health
Managing diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. But, by keeping tabs on 6 key numbers and adjusting your lifestyle as needed, you can take control of your diabetes and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here's a look at essential numbers you should know and monitor.
Blood Glucose Levels
Blood glucose monitoring is the cornerstone of diabetes management. There are two primary ways to measure your blood glucose:
1. Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)
This involves checking your blood sugar at home using a glucose meter. The frequency of testing depends on your individual needs and your doctor's recommendations. Generally, you should aim for the following targets:
2. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)
This test provides an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It's typically measured every 3-6 months.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are common complications of diabetes.
Cholesterol Levels
Managing cholesterol is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk. You should know your:
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LDL (bad) cholesterol
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HDL (good) cholesterol
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Triglycerides
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for diabetes management. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
Waist Circumference
Excess abdominal fat is associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk.
Kidney Function
Diabetes can affect kidney function over time. Your doctor may monitor your:
Yes, that’s a lot of numbers to track. Fortunately, there are several tools and things you can do make it easier to stay on top of it all. For example:
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Use a diabetes management app to log your numbers and track trends over time.
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If you prefer pen and paper, keep a physical logbook.
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Set reminders for regular testing and doctor's appointments.
The Vermont Department of Health offers this handy guide for keeping track of when and how often different labs and office visits should be scheduled.
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Learn to interpret your numbers and understand how lifestyle factors affect them. If you have questions, reach out to a certified diabetes educator for help.
By consistently monitoring your key metrics and sharing them with your healthcare provider during your visits, you can take an active role in your diabetes management.
Paula Haytko, RN, is a certified diabetes educator with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.
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