A healthy lifestyle is your road map for managing diabetes, which is the key to preventing or delaying complications:
Follow a healthy eating plan.
Be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week (just 30 minutes, 5 days a week).
Manage your ABCs:
A: Get a regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months; aim to stay in your target range as much as possible.
B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the target your doctor sets).
C: Control your cholesterol levels.
s: Stop smoking or don’t start.
Lose weight if you’re overweight
Just a 5% to 7% weight loss lowers the risk for complications. That’s 10 to 14 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds.
Take medicines as instructed, and talk to your doctor if you have questions about or problems with your medicine.
Make and keep appointments with your health care team (primary care doctor, dentist, foot doctor, eye doctor, and dietitian).
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