Know your ABCs. Focus on the numbers that can affect your
health. To reduce diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and
strokes, the American Diabetes Association recommends the
following:
- A1C: A three-month blood glucose average test that can monitor
development and progression of eye, kidney and nerve damage.
Target: less than 7 percent.
- Blood pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is
associated with heart attacks and strokes. Target: less than
130/80
- Cholesterol: Imbalanced cholesterol, often caused by diet, is
associated with heart disease and heart attacks. Targets: less than
100 mg/dL for LDL for men and women; for HDL, more than 40 mg/dL
for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women.