Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful। Studies show that people at high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight. You can do it by eating healthier and getting 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. In other words: you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life.
Things to Do Every Day for Good Diabetes Care
Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out.
Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities are best for you.
Take your medicines as directed.
Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number in your record book.
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
Brush and floss your teeth every day.
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Don’t smoke.
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Things for Your Health Care Provider to Look at Every Time You Have a Checkup
Your blood glucose records
Show your records to your health care provider.
Tell your health care provider if you often have low blood glucose or high blood glucose.
Your weight
Talk with your health care provider about how much you should weigh.
Talk about ways to reach your goal that will work for you.
Your blood pressure
The goal for most people with diabetes is less than 130/80.
Ask your health care provider about ways to reach your goal.
Your diabetes medicines plan
Talk to your health care provider about any problems you have had with your diabetes medicines.
Your feet
Ask your health care provider to check your feet for sores.
Your plan for physical activity
Talk with your health care provider about what you do to stay active.
Your meal plan
Talk about what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat.
Your feelings
Ask your health care provider about ways to handle stress.
If you are feeling sad or unable to cope with problems, ask about how to get help.
Your smoking
If you smoke, talk with your health care provider about how you can quit.
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Things for You or Your Health Care Provider to Do at Least Once or Twice a Year
A1C test
Have this blood test at least twice a year (See How can I find out what my average blood glucose is?) Your result will tell you what your average blood glucose level was for the past 2 to 3 months.
Blood lipid (fats) lab tests
Get a blood test to check your
total cholesterol—aim for below 200
LDL—aim for below 100
HDL—men: aim for above 40; women: aim for above 50
triglycerides—aim for below 150
These test results will help you plan how to prevent heart attack and stroke.
Kidney function tests
Once a year, get a urine test to check for protein. At least once a year, get a blood test to check for creatinine. The results will tell you how well your kidneys are working.
Dilated eye exam
See an eye care professional once a year for a complete eye exam.
Dental exam
See your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Foot exam
Ask your health care provider to check your feet to make sure your foot nerves and your blood circulation are OK.
Flu shot
Get a flu shot each year.
Pneumonia vaccine
Get one; if you’re over 64 and your shot was more than 5 years ago, get one more.
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How to Use the Daily Diabetes Record Page
Use copies of the record page to keep track of blood glucose checks, medicines, and notes about things that affect your blood glucose. Make one copy of the record page for each week. This record will help you see whether your diabetes plan is working. Review your record with your health care providers.
Blood Glucose Checks
Talk with your health care provider and decide on the best times to check blood glucose. You may be checking blood glucose before meals, after meals, or at bedtime. Write when to check here:
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
If needed, draw a line in the boxes under "Breakfast," "Lunch," and "Dinner" to make room for blood glucose check results before and after a meal, like this example:
See What should my blood glucose numbers be? for information about target blood glucose levels.
Medicines
Under the heading marked "Medicine," write the names of your diabetes medicines and the amounts taken.
Notes
Write down things that affect your blood glucose level. Some examples are
eating more or less than usual
forgetting to take your diabetes medicine
exercising—write down what kind and for how long
being sick or upset about something—being under stress
going to a social event or other special event, or being on vacation
Daily Diabetes Record Page
View and print a daily diabetes record page.
My Health Care Team Members

Name and Address
Phone Number
Doctor



Diabetes dietitian educator


Diabetes nurse educator


Eye care professional



Dentist



Foot doctor



Pharmacist



Counselor