| What
you can do to prevent complications Monitor
your blood glucose regularly - good blood glucose control can prevent or delay
the onset of most of the diabetes-related complications. A desirable blood glucose
range for most people is 80 to 120 mg/dL before breakfast, 180 mg/dL or less,
2 hours after meals and 100 to 140 mg/dL before bedtime. Check
your A1C levels - also known as HbA1c or glycosylated haemoglobin level. This
test provides a "picture" of how well your diabetes has been controlled
over a period of 2-3 months. Ideally all diabetics should have this measurement
at least annually if not more frequent. Good diabetic control is assumed at levels
of 7 per cent or below. Monitor
your blood pressure regularly - tight blood pressure control can be essential
in preventing heart problems latter on. High blood pressure often occurs in diabetes
and since it has no symptoms it is very important to measure your blood pressure
routinely at least every three months. Blood pressure levels for a person with
diabetes should be kept ideally at less than 130 mm Hg systolic and less than
80 mm Hg diastolic. Monitor
your cholesterol levels - Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels
at least once a year. You can help control your cholesterol levels by maintaining
a healthy eating plan with regular exercise and if you smoke, stop!! Smoking is
a major risk factor for heart disease and even more so for diabetics. Next
>> Guide to Choosing a Glucose Meter <<
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