Be Smart About Your Heart.
Control the ABCs of Diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you are at high risk for heart attack and stroke. Heart disease is more likely to strike you-- and at an earlier age--than someone without diabetes.

But you can fight back. Be smart about your heart. Take control of the ABCs of diabetes and live a long and healthy life.

ABC of Diabetes

Ask

Keep a record

Numbers to know

Need help?

A is for A1C ^ top

The A1C (A-one-C) test--short for hemoglobin A1C--measures your average blood glucose (sugar) over the last 3 months.
Suggested target : below 7

B is for blood pressure

High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard.
Suggested target : below 130/80

C is for cholesterol

Bad cholesterol, or LDL, builds up and clogs your arteries.
Suggested LDL target : below 100

Ask your health care provider these questions: ^ top

1. What are my ABC numbers?
2. What should be my ABC target numbers be?
3. What actions should I take to reach my ABC target numbers?

Take action now to lower your risk for heart attack and stroke and other diabetes problems:

• Get physical activity every day.
• Eat less fat and salt.
• Eat more fiber--choose whole grains,fruits, vegetables and beans.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking--ask your provider for help.
• Take medicines as prescribed.
• Ask your doctor about taking aspirin.
• Ask others to help you manage your diabetes.

Be smart about your heart!

Keep a record of your ABCs! ^ top

You can track your ABCs when you visit your health care provider. Work with your provider to reach your target number

My ABC Medicines

A1C (glucose average)________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Blood pressure_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Cholestrol (LDL)______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 

Numbers to know... ^ top

The targets listed below are suggested by the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association. Talk to your health care provider about your ABC targets.

Need help? ^ top

American Association of Diabetes Educators
800-TEAM-UP4
www.aadenet.org

American Diabetes Association
800-342-2383
www.diabetes.org

American Dietetic Association
800-366-1655
www.eatright.org

American Heart Association
800-AHA-USA1
www.americanheart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
877-232-3422
www.cdc.gov/diabetes

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
301-592-8573
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
800-860-8747
www.niddk.nih.gov

	The National Diabetes Education Program is a joint program of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Website: www.ndep.nih.gov Phone: 1-800-438-5383 NDEP-52, November 2001

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