Experts suggest that achieving diabetes care targets has many benefits. It has been shown that maintaining blood glucose control over the years can help people with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes prevent or delay diabetes complications. In addition, keeping blood lipids and blood pressure within target ranges can help reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases—the major cause of death for people with diabetes.
What are ABC Targets? They refer to some of the most important numbers in your diabetes care plan. Ask your healthcare provider what your ABC targets should be. If your "numbers" are not in the desired target range, partner with your healthcare provider to take the necessary next steps to improve them.
"A" is for A1CAs you may already know, A1C gives a picture of your average blood glucose control over the last 2 to 3 months. You can ask your healthcare provider what your A1C and blood glucose goals should be.
You can also help your healthcare provider review your blood glucose control by using the Changing Life With Diabetes blood glucose diary to track your daily results. Make sure to print and bring your blood glucose diary to your office visits.
"B" is for Blood PressureYour blood pressure should be under 130/80 mmHg.
"C" is for CholesterolYour LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) should be under 100 mg/dL
Your HDL (the "good" cholesterol) should be above 40 mg/dL (men), above 50 mg/dL (women)
Your Triglycerides should be under 150 mg/dL
Keep in mind: People with type 2 diabetes often need medications to manage their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose.
Stay on Top of Your Diabetes Care PlanDiabetes is a progressive disease. This means that it changes over time. So you and your healthcare provider will need to monitor your diabetes care plan so you can continue to achieve and maintain your ABC targets as your disease progresses.