Living healthier with diabetes
OCT 31, 2014
Diabetes is a rapidly growing health problem.
Currently, more than 21 million people in the United States have diabetes. Without care, diabetes can lead to complications that include kidney failure, eye problems, nerve damage, heart disease and high blood pressure, stroke, and more.
The good news: although diabetes is a lifelong condition, by taking action you can live a healthy life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for some time, these steps are key to keeping diabetes under control:
- Keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels well controlled:
– Test your blood sugar to be sure it is in the target range set by you and your doctor.
– Take blood sugar medication as prescribed by your doctor. - Ask your doctor if you should take low-dose aspirin along with cholesterol or blood pressure medicine to help prevent heart attack and stroke.
- Eat a healthy diet. The right nutrition is key to preventing, delaying, or better managing diabetes.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 7 to 15 pounds can make a big difference in your health.
- Stay or become more physically active. Try walking for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.
If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it with HealthMedia® Care® for Diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, find out if you’re at risk.
