What can you do to help yourself?

First, what targets should you aim for? Attend appointments for annual review HbA1c - Good blood glucose control is very important aim for HbA1c of 53-64 (7 – 8%) Blood pressure control - good blood pressure levels under 140/80 Cholesterol – good cholesterol (fat) levels under 4.5 Stop smoking Use help from your diabetes nurse, doctor and dietician

What would be your ideal HbA1c? 48 (6.5%) to 58 (7.5%) 64 (8.0%) to 86 (10.0%) is moderate control Over 86 (10.0%) is poor control The lower the better, as long as you are not having hypo episodes to keep it down. If you think about it…having frequent hypos will reduce your average blood glucose level or HbA1c. But, having frequent hypos can cause problems with awareness in the future.

Having Type 1 diabetes is hard... You have to get a balance between food, exercise and insulin…and you need to have a life. Regular hypos are a hassle and can be unpleasant and embarrassing. However, by having regular high blood glucose levels to prevent hypos, over time puts you at risk of getting complications.

Fundoscopy – eye photograph Urine test for kidney function Every year you should have an annual review – this is important to find complications in the early stages so they can be treated. Fundoscopy – eye photograph Urine test for kidney function Blood taken for HbA1c, kidney function and cholesterol Blood pressure Foot assessment Psychological assessment Sexual function assessment

Things to do.... Have an annual review Test your blood glucose regularly and try and have good control Try and keep your weight normal Don’t smoke Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal limits (use your diet and exercise to help with this). Be active!

To summarise…. Use your diabetes team to help  Try and keep good blood glucose control, although it’s okay to have occasional highs and lows, and keep an eye on your Hba1c. You also need to try and lower the other risk factors (weight, high blood pressure, high fat levels, smoking). But, by looking after yourself you can prevent complications. Use your diabetes team to help 