Overview
Here's what researchers know about controlling blood glucose (blood sugar) in people with Diabetes: It's not easy, but it can be done. It takes hard work. And it can save your life.
An important new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that tight control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes-the number one killer of people with Diabetes-by more than half.
Key Information
For most people with Diabetes, keeping blood glucose under tight control isn't easy. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that fewer than 45 percent of Americans with Diabetes are reaching the level of control seen in the NIH study. But it can be done, and the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has materials that can help.
The National Diabetes Education Program's Control Your Diabetes. For Life. campaign materials teach people with Diabetes how to know their ABCs-what their A1C (a test of blood glucose), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol numbers are, what they should be, and how to work with their health care team to reach those goals. The materials also offer ideas for sticking to a healthy eating plan, ways to stay active with regular physical activity, and other tips for feeling better and staying healthy.
What You Need to Know
NDEP materials are easy to read, and available in English, Spanish, and in 15 Asian and Pacific Islander languages. They have been tailored for groups at high risk for Diabetes, including American Indians and Alaska Natives, African Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos. And all NDEP materials are based on science, backed by the federal government, and copyright free.
For people with Diabetes, controlling blood glucose-along with blood pressure and cholesterol-can save their sight, their limbs and their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.