Diabetic Guidelines: Improve Your Control

March 28, 2019

Managing diabetes means a longer, healthier and happier life!

What constitutes satisfactory diabetic control?

  • A1c less than 7% in most adults
  • A1c less than 8% in persons greater than 65 especially those with other advanced conditions like kidney, cardiovascular, visual, memory disorders

What your health professional does

  • measure A1c two times a year when meeting diabetic goals
  • measure A1c four times per year or quarterly when not meeting goals
  • refers to a nutrition specialist at onset of care
  • refers to an eye specialist at onset and every two years
  • evaluates home blood glucose results at each visit
  • evaluates kidney function annually or more often in poor control
  • prescribes lisinopril or losartan to protect your kidneys
  • prescribes a statin medication to improve cholesterol
  • prescribes baby aspirin (81mg) one per day to prevent heart attack
  • prescribes medications to control blood pressure at 140/90 or less
  • performs foot exam quarterly
  • performs foot monofilament test for neuropathy annually
  • refers to podiatry as indicated

What you do

  • follow the advice of your healthcare professional
  • learn all you can about the management of diabetes
  • achieve and maintain a body mass index of 30 or under
  • body mass index is a measurement of height and weight
  • check your BMI here: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm
  • perform home blood glucose (sugar) monitoring as recommended; track results
  • exercise 30 or more minutes most days of the week
  • perform flexibility, balance and resistance exercises 2 to 3 times per week
  • avoid kidney toxic medications (ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Aleve, Advil, Motrin)
  • ask your health professional if any prescribed medications can hurt your kidneys
  • avoid carbohydrates (breads, cereals, cakes, cookies, granola, sugar, processed foods)
  • eat fruits and vegetables
  • follow a Mediterranean style diet
  • report symptoms of possible complications (visual, heart, leg disorders) promptly
  • STOP smoking
  • moderate alcohol intake
  • take medications as directed

This is Dr. Jim for Be Healthy! Be Happy! Power your path to happiness.

Reference: American Diabetes Association: Clinical Diabetes, 2018. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes for Primary Care Providers. Online [available at]: http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/36/1/14 Accessed March 24,