YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Blood Sugar

People suffering from diabetes should reduce risk for heart disease

November 04, 2005

Dear Editor:

November is American Diabetes Month and the Lincoln County Health Department would like for people to think about a few diabetes facts. Sixty percent of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure; two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke, and 68 percent of people with diabetes do not consider cardiovascular disease to be a serious complication of diabetes.

When managing diabetes, it is important to remember the connection that it has with heart disease and stroke. The American Diabetes Association is trying to increase awareness of this connection. The Kentucky Cabinet For Health and Family Services states that one way for people with diabetes to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke is to manage the ABC's of diabetes:

A: Lower A1C, which shows average glucose (blood sugar) levels over three months, to less than 7.

B: Keep blood pressure below 130/80.

C: Get "bad" Cholesterol (LDL) below 100.

The Department for Public Health in Frankfort makes the following suggestions:

* Keep blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure numbers as close to normal as possible.

* Get help to quit smoking.

* Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week.

* Eat low-fat meals that are high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

* Ask your health care provider about taking medications to reduce heart attack or stroke.

* Work with your health care provider to determine your treatment options.

Diabetes management should include not only watching your blood glucose level, but also maintaining your blood pressure, and controlling your cholesterol level.

For more information you can call the Lincoln County Health Department at (606) 365-3106.

Lee Ann Taylor

Senior health educator

Lincoln County Health Department

Stanford

|

|

|