Diabetes is a condition that develops when your body does not properly store food energy in your body, and instead allows high levels of sugar to circulate in your blood.You may be surprised to learn that if you have diabetes, your biggest health risk is your risk for heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, there are some key actions you can take to control your diabetes, improve the health of your heart and reduce your risks so that you can live a full, active life with diabetes. It is important to control your blood pressure, cholesterol and your blood sugar levels to prevent heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other complications.
Talk to your doctor to find out which medicines to prevent heart attack and stroke might be right for you. Your doctor may suggest some lab tests to be sure that these medicines are working well for you.
Along with medications, lifestyle choices help prevent heart attacks and strokes. The same lifestyle choices that prevent heart attack and stroke help to control cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. It is important to:
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Choose a variety of nutritious foods low in fat and salt
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days
• Keep your weight at a healthy level
Your doctor may recommend other lifestyle changes that are right for you.
More about diabetes
©2007 Kaiser Permanente · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · HTML Version · En Español