DIABETES With All My Heart Presented by: Regina Weitzman, MD

DIABETES Objetives Provide a clear and simple definition of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Create awareness about the link between diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Create awareness about the ABC’s of good diabetes care. Participants will be able to identify 3 actions that can be taken to maintain a healthy heart. Participants will be able to identify one activity they will commit to incorporate into their regular routine in an effort to decrease their risk for heart-related complications.

DIABETES DIABETES When you eat, your body breaks food down into sugar and sends it into your bloodstream. Insulin (made in the pancreas) helps get the sugar from the blood into the cells to be used for energy needed for daily life. It’s like the key that opens the door for the cells. Diabetes is when the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work well. Too much sugar in the blood can mean that a person has diabetes.

DIABETES What is Pre-Diabetes? Pre-diabetes is when a person has too much sugar in their blood, but not quiet high enough to be called diabetes. ( mg/dl). People with pre-diabetes: –Can make changes to their eating habits to help them lose weight and increase their physical activity to delay or prevent diabetes. Eating healthy is for everyone, but it is especially important for managing or preventing diabetes. If you have diabetes or pre- diabetes, what and how much you eat can affect your blood sugar.

DIABETES Health Problems and conditions associated with Diabetes Heart disease. Stroke Eye problems (retinopathy). Kidney problems (nephropathy). Wound Care Amputations (neuropathy). Dental problems Impotence Frequent infections

DIABETES Conditions which increase your chances of having heart disease or stroke Overweight or obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol levels Family history of heart disease Smoking Diet high in fat

DIABETES ABC’s of Diabetes A - is for A1C B - is for Blood Pressure C - is for Cholesterol

DIABETES A-1-C The A1C check tells you your average blood glucose levels for the past 2 to 3 months. Think of it as a blood check with a “memory”. Your A1C target should be less than 7. The A1C test provides your health care provider with a baseline of information on how well your diabetes is under control The A1C test is a good indicator of what is a normal level for you.

DIABETES Which activities can a person do to better manage their diabetes and lower their A1C? Take your medication as instructed Monitor your blood glucose more closely and record all responses to share with your health care provider Be more active Work with your health care provider to develop a plan for your diabetes management Develop a healthy meal plan Lose weight

DIABETES Blood Pressure Your blood pressure numbers tell you the force of your blood inside your blood vessels. When your pressure is high, your heart has to work harder. Your blood pressure target should be 130/80

DIABETES Blood Pressure The target for blood pressure in good diabetes management is below 130/80. Blood pressure has two numbers, the systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom). The top number (130) is the pressure as the heart beats and pushes blood into the blood vessels. The bottom number (80) is the pressure when the heart rests between beats and vessels relax.

DIABETES Ways to manage blood pressure Follow a meal plan that includes more fruits and vegetables Reduce the amount of salt eaten Lose weight Quit smoking Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed Work to reduce any stress you might be experiencing

DIABETES Cholesterol Your cholesterol numbers tell you about the amount of fat in your blood. Once type is called HDL cholesterol which helps to protect your heart. Another type, LDL cholesterol can clog your blood vessels or lead to hardening of the arteries.

DIABETES What are normal cholesterol levels for people with diabetes? Colesterol LDL – less than 100 Colesterol HDL – higher than 40 for men, and higher than 50 for women

DIABETES Ways to manage Cholesterol Make wise food choices to reduce the fat in your diet and choose fewer high- cholesterol foods Lose weight Become more physically active Quit smoking Keep your blood glucose levels close to your target

DIABETES Working with a Healthcare Provider They can assess the management of your AIC, blood pressure and cholesterol They can detect and minimize the risk of diabetes complications They can develop your diabetes management plan for healthy eating

DIABETES Review and Closing What are the ABC’s of good diabetes management? Why is it important to know your A1C? What should be your target blood pressure? What should the cholesterol goals be for most people with diabetes? Why is it important to work with your healthcare provider?

DIABETES Objetive for the “Keep on track” booklet Create awareness of the importance of getting your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol checked Take with you to every doctor’s visit to record progress. Have a list of emergency contacts

DIABETES For more information... Contact the American Diabetes Association at DIABETES ( ) or on the web at: Locally, call: