Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2008
News you can use…
Day by day, taking steps to control diabetes…
Controlling diabetes begins each new day with routine steps to manage your diet,
exercise, medicines, and monitoring of blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure and
cholesterol levels. All of these activities are handled best by having a good relationship
with your doctor and other health care providers.
Eat well to improve your health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Follow a food
plan that includes the right portion of → high fiber, low fat foods including fruits and
vegetables (5 to 9 servings a day), →whole grains, →lean meats, and →low-fat milk and
cheese. Avoid using too much salt. There is no one size fits all diet for people with
diabetes. Work together with your doctor and other health care providers to find a food
plan that fits your health needs, culture and the way you live.
Stay active and exercise to help control your weight as advised by your doctor.
Medicines for diabetes should be taken and tracked carefully. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist about when, how many and how to take your medicines. Know what signs to
expect if you are having a reaction to a medicine. Keep a list of all the medications you
are taking in your wallet or purse.
Knowing your A1c (blood glucose), blood
pressure and cholesterol levels help you know
how well your treatment plan is working.
An A1c number of 7 or higher, or above your
personal goal, should be discussed with your
doctor. Your treatment plan may need changing.
The blood pressure goal for most people with
diabetes is 130/80 or less.
A normal cholesterol level for most people with
diabetes, particularly the LDL (bad cholesterol), is100 or less.
(Source: NIH Publication No. 98-4350 & NIH Publication No. 03-4351)
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Experience HealthND is sponsored by
U.S. Care Management and the North Dakota State Department of Human Services, Medicaid Services Division
© 2008 USCM
Work with your doctor and other health care providers to understand the choices you
have in controlling diabetes. The treatment plan prepared by your doctor helps you take
the steps, day by day, that enable you to manage your diabetes and prevent or reduce the
risk of other serious conditions.
Your doctor or other health care providers can offer
information about the need for preventive activities
including eye exams, foot care, quitting smoking,
appropriate dental care and the steps discussed
above that can help control your diabetes.
For further information about diabetes contact the
National Diabetes Education Program (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services) at 1-800438-5383 or www.ndep.nih.gov.
It’s your call! For more information
always ask your doctor. Contact your
Experience HealthND nurse care manager or call the program
toll-free number at 1-866-435-4306 for more help in controlling
diabetes.
Experience HealthND is sponsored by
U.S. Care Management and the North Dakota State Department of Human Services, Medicaid Services Division
© 2008 USCM