What’s In A Number?
By Charmaine Vincent Haan, RD, LD/N, CDE
Numbers are very helpful when we are trying to live a healthy lifestyle. The number on the weight scale lets us know if we need to eat smaller portions of food or different foods or get more exercise. The number of steps on our pedometer keeps us on track with regular exercise. Lab tests give you and your health care providers information about your overall health. The numbers in managing your blood glucose include the A1C, a lab test that let’s you know how well your diabetes care plan is working. The A1C test gives you the “big picture” over a period of time but does not tell you what your blood glucose levels are on a daily basis. Good control of diabetes is an A1C of less than 7, according to the American Diabetes Association
A Diabetes Care Plan includes:
- A plan for exercise or physical activity
- A healthy meal plan
- Regular visits to your healthcare providers
- Taking the medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider
- Reducing health risks
- Checking your blood glucose daily
- Problem solving with your diabetes team
- Working on healthy coping skills
Read the full article “What’s In A Number?” at Liberty Medical.