Smart Choices
Luke Pamer with Tom Miller, RPh
Do You Know The Diabetes ABCs?
W
hen we were children we
learned our ABCs. Our
children still learn the
ABC song, as knowing the ABCs are an essential part
of managing language skills. When
a person develops diabetes, there is
another set of ABCs to learn, and these
are essential to the management of the
disease, in order to help prevent longterm complications such as blindness,
kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke
or limb amputation.
A is for the A1C test.
This test shows what your blood
glucose has been over the last three
months. The A1C goal for most people
with diabetes is below 7. A high A1C
reflects high blood sugar levels which
can cause damage to the body in
many ways.
B is for Blood Pressure.
The goal for most people with
diabetes is below 130/80 at rest. High
blood pressure will damage blood vessels and stress the heart.
D is for Dental Exam.
Did you know having diabetes puts
you at risk for gum disease? A dental
exam once yearly is key to keeping your
teeth and gums healthy.
E is for Eye exam.
One of the first symptoms many
people feel when their blood sugar is
high is that their eyes become blurry.
High blood sugar damages the tiny
blood vessels of the eye. If you have
diabetes, do not take a chance with
your eyesight. Have an exam every
year and make sure the doctor knows
you have diabetes.
F is for Flu shot.
Because illness causes blood sugar
levels to rise, it is highly recommended
that people with diabetes take a flu
shot every year. Respiratory flu can be
a serious disease which may become
even more serious if the blood sugar
becomes uncontrolled.
F is also for Foot exam.
Since 60% of people with diabetes
will develop some level of neuropaC is for Cholesterol.
thy (nerve damage), it is essential to
The goal for people with diabetes
have a comprehensive foot exam each
is to have less than 100 for their LDL
year. Your doctor can assess if there
(the “bad” cholesterol) and to have
has been any nerve damage since the
more than 40 for their HDL (the “good” last exam.
cholesterol) if they are a man, and over
K for Kidney Testing.
50 if they are a woman.
You should have a urine and/or
blood test to check kidney function
yearly, if you have diabetes.
Sponsored by
260-593-2252 • 101 N Main. St. • Topeka, IN
A Diabetes Education Program will
give you practical help in reducing your
risk for developing any of the problems
listed above. Insurance will usually
help pay for the classes. Take care of
yourself and know your ABCs, you are
worth the effort!
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Located in the Davis
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Corner of Main & Harrison
On the third floor
across from the
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Serious inquiries only
Call 260-350-1332.
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260-593-2252 • 800-528-3279
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