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Know How to Fight Diabetes

Seven Basic Rules

Diabetes cannot yet be cured but it can be managed. You can lead a full, active life with diabetes. But first you need to learn how to manage your diabetes. It is important to work with your HHC healthcare team to help you make good choices.

Here are seven things you can do to fight diabetes:

1. Keep your appointments.

See your doctor generally four times a year, or more frequently if not under control.

2. Know your ABCs.

A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

3. Take your medicine.

You should understand when you are supposed to take your medication, including insulin injections, and how much you should take. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about "look-alike" or "sound-alike" diabetes drugs. Learn more here about diabetes medication.

4. Check your blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar monitoring lets you know when your blood sugar level is outside the target range. This allows your doctor, dietitian, or nurse educator to make needed changes. A healthy blood sugar level is an A1C test result of less than 7. Patients with Type 1 diabetes do fingerstick testing 4 times per day. Patients with Type 2 diabetes do fingerstick testing as instructed by their physician.

5. Eat right.

A healthy diet is a perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. A healthy diet can help bring your glucose under control and help you lose weight. Learn more here about eating right.

6. Be active.

Exercise will consist of anything that moves your body and the choice of exercise depends on you. Exercise 30 minutes 5 days a week. Walking is preferred. Learn more here about exercise.

7. Control your stress.

Stress -- both physical and emotional -- can cause an increase in hormones, resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are not controlled, you are at risk of having complications from diabetes. Learn more here about stress busters.

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