| Diabetes is a very serious condition that affects | | | | right. Combined with diabetes makes it that more |
| millions of Americans. It has the ability to affect | | | | dangerous. High blood pressure makes the heart |
| every part of the body; leading to additional | | | | work harder to pump blood through the body; |
| life-threatening conditions. Taking control of diabetes | | | | causing intense stress. The blood pressure |
| will be extremely challenging. | | | | measurement goal for most should be 130/80. |
| However, living with the disease does not mean that | | | | Lastly, high cholesterol levels cause clogs and build-up |
| your life is over. As a matter-of-fact, taking good | | | | in the blood vessels. The cholesterol level is measured |
| care of yourself and taking care of your diabetes will | | | | in LDL goal is less than 100) and HDL (goal is above |
| help you feel better. | | | | 40). A good HDL helps remove cholesterol from |
| Although it is not really known, even to modern | | | | blood vessels. Basically, high blood sugar or glucose |
| medicine, the ideal cause for diabetes, it is clear that | | | | level deteriorates the heart and blood vessels, |
| there are means to control progression. In order to | | | | kidneys, feet, and eyes. |
| take control of the disease, you must first learn | | | | Managing diabetes is challenging, yet it can be |
| about it. | | | | accomplished. This third step for keeping diabetes |
| The disease is the make-up of a metabolic syndrome | | | | under control is dependent upon a self-care plan. |
| that suggests that the body utilizes digested food to | | | | Even if medications are required to maintain normal |
| promote growth and energy. Basically, the main | | | | blood sugar, natural home remedies have proven to |
| source of energy is food. The digested food is | | | | be successful. |
| broken down into glucose. After which, it is absorbed | | | | Implementing healthy life-style changes will not only |
| by the bloodstream to be distributed to the cells of | | | | keep blood glucose at an acceptable range, they are |
| the body. | | | | also known to rid of symptoms. A self-care plan |
| The glucose requires the assistance of the hormone | | | | consists of a diabetes diet plan. This meal plan |
| called insulin to travel to the cells. Meaning, the insulin, | | | | consists of healthy foods such as fruits and |
| which is produced by the pancreas (gland behind the | | | | vegetables, as well as fish, lean meats, chicken and |
| stomach) is the key that allows glucose entry to cells. | | | | turkey (without the skin), dry beans, and whole grain. |
| Ironically, the insulin also plays significant role in what | | | | Additionally, you should only consume non-fat dairy |
| causes diabetes. Insulin is important to convert the | | | | products. The self-care plan also demands that you |
| blood sugar or glucose into energy. | | | | get 30 - 60 min of physical activity on most days of |
| In order to take control of diabetes, you must also | | | | the week. Implementing these strategies of a |
| be aware of the diabetic blood glucose, blood | | | | personal self-care plan helps maintain normal blood |
| pressure, and cholesterol levels or ABC's. Knowing | | | | glucose, but also help you lose weight. |
| these levels is imperative in that it will decrease your | | | | Finally, always stay in touch with your physician to |
| risk of developing more complicating conditions. | | | | keep control of diabetes. Take initiative to obtain |
| Extended high levels of the ABC's may indicate heart | | | | routine care and practice the self-care plan daily. At |
| attack, stroke, or other diabetic problems. The A1C | | | | each visit to your physician be sure that he |
| test identifies blood glucose levels for up to and over | | | | completes a blood pressure check, foot check, |
| three months. The goal of A1C for most people is | | | | weight check, cholesterol check, and a depression |
| below 7. | | | | screening. |
| High blood pressure develops into a disease in its own | | | | |