Dignity Health Merced | helloHealthy | Summer 2018

HelloHealthy | Summer 2018 7 Lower your risk for diabetes Join our Diabetes Prevention Program Want some support in preventing diabetes before it becomes a problem? Our curriculum, approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with lessons, handouts, and other resources, can help you make healthy changes. Some key components of the program include: ●  ● A lifestyle coach to help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. ●  ● A support group of people with similar goals and challenges. Together, you can share ideas, celebrate successes, and work to overcome obstacles. ●  ● A CDC-recognized lifestyle change program where you’ll learn, laugh, share stories, try new things, and build new habits—all while lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and improving your health. is for cholesterol. Your cholesterol numbers reflect the amount of fat in your blood. LDL cholesterol is a bad type of fat— it clogs arteries and raises your risk for heart disease. You want a low LDL level. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is a good type of fat. You want a high HDL level, which can actually help protect your heart from disease. Triglycerides also are a bad-for-your-heart fat. You want a low triglyceride level. Additional source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Interested in joining the Diabetes Prevention Program? There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. If you are interested in joining this program, contact Lillian Sanchez-Ramos at Lillian.Sanchez@DignityHealth.org . Controlling blood sugar is an essential part of staying healthy when you have diabetes. But your blood sugar is not the only thing that needs a watchful eye: Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels do too. The reason: Having diabetes increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke. You can lower that risk, however, by following the ABCs of diabetes management. The s of diabetes Use them to help prevent heart disease is for A1C. This test measures your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. For most people, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C below 7 percent. Ask your doctor what your goal should be. And always remember this: An A1C test is not a substitute for your daily blood sugar tests. is for blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, it means your heart is working harder than it should be. That’s unhealthy for your heart, kidneys and eyes. For most people with diabetes, the ADA recommends a blood pressure level below 140/90 mmHg.