What can you do to help yourself First

What can you do to help yourself?

First, what targets should you aim for? Attend appointments for annual review n Hb. A 1 c - Good blood glucose control is very important aim for Hb. A 1 c of 53 -64 (7 – 8%) n Blood pressure control - good blood pressure levels under 140/80 n Cholesterol – good cholesterol (fat) levels under 4. 5 n Stop smoking n Use help from your diabetes nurse, doctor and dietician n

What would be your ideal Hb. A 1 c? 48 (6. 5%) to 58 (7. 5%) n 64 (8. 0%) to 86 (10. 0%) is moderate control n Over 86 (10. 0%) is poor control n The lower the better, as long as you are not having hypo episodes to keep it down. n If you think about it…having frequent hypos will reduce your average blood glucose level or Hb. A 1 c. n But, having frequent hypos can cause problems with awareness in the future. n

Having Type 1 diabetes is hard. . . You have to get a balance between food, exercise and insulin…and you need to have a life. n Regular hypos are a hassle and can be unpleasant and embarrassing. n However, by having regular high blood glucose levels to prevent hypos, over time puts you at risk of getting complications. n

Every year you should have an annual review – this is important to find complications in the early stages so they can be treated. Fundoscopy – eye photograph n Urine test for kidney function n Blood taken for Hb. A 1 c, kidney function and cholesterol n Blood pressure n Foot assessment n Psychological assessment n Sexual function assessment n

Things to do. . Have an annual review n Test your blood glucose regularly and try and have good control n Try and keep your weight normal n Don’t smoke n Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal limits (use your diet and exercise to help with this). n Be active! n

To summarise…. Try and keep good blood glucose control, although it’s okay to have occasional highs and lows, and keep an eye on your Hba 1 c. n You also need to try and lower the other risk factors (weight, high blood pressure, high fat levels, smoking). n But, by looking after yourself you can prevent complications. n n Use your diabetes team to help