"In the Cleveland area, there are a lot of places to walk around, and a lot of places are free. We go to the Art Museum, we just went to the zoo, so we’ve done some exercise that’s not really exercise, but it was good for our health and good for our weight management and also good for our diabetes."

‒ Elaine
Cleveland, OH

Quick Tips

Talk it up, ladies! When it comes to health matters, women rule. Men often learn about health issues from women, while women usually get health information from doctors, TV and other sources.

Download the Checklist

Diabetes Checklist

How do you measure up?

Both doctors and patients have to make sure that certain tests, vaccinations and measures are routinely done. Studies have shown that people with diabetes avoid complications if their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol are within certain ranges. And monitoring kidney health or treating kidney problems, being at a healthy weight and not smoking cigarettes are vital, too.

Are you getting the recommended tests? Have you had a pneumonia vaccine? Have you and your health care team set goals to improve your test results? Know your numbers, so you and your doctor can work together to set goals to stay healthy.

Use this checklist to get started.

What	Why	Recommended Outcome
Hemoglobin A1c Test At Least Yearly	A1c is a blood test that measures how well your blood sugar is controlled over the past 2-3 months. It helps you and your doctor know how well your treatment plan is working.	Less than 8, or what your doctor says is right for you. Generally lower is better.
Blood Pressure Every visit	High blood pressure increases your risk of biabetes complications	Less than 140/80, or what your doctor says is right for you. Generally lower is better.
Cholesterol Test At Least Yearly	Elevated LDL (or "bad") cholesterol increases the risk heart and circulation problems in patients with diabetes.	Less than 100 if possible. "Statin" medicines may be very helpful.
Kidney Management	Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. Urine tests help your doctor know whether medication should be used to delay kidney problems.	Urine “microalbumin” should be less than 30; if it is higher, “ACE inhibitor” or “ARB” medicines will help you.
Eye Exam Yearly	Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in adults. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can reduce your risk.	Normal annual exam by an eye doctor, or treatment if eye problems are discovered.
Foot Exam Every visit	Diabetes is the most common cause of foot and leg amputations in adults. Nerve damage may reduce your ability to detect foot pain from an ulcer or infection.	Healthy feet, or early detection of treatable ulcers or infections.
Weight (Body Mass Index) Every visit	Obesity worsens blood sugar control; exercise and weight loss improve blood sugar control.	Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30. Plan to exercise and lose weight!
Smoking Status	Smoking cigarettes increases an already high risk for heart disease and circulation problems in patients with diabetes. Your doctor can help you quit. Ask him/her how!	Make a plan with your doctor to stop smoking.
Pneumonia Vaccine Once	If your diabetes is not well controlled, you are at higher risk for infections. A vaccine against pneumonia can reduce your risk of lung infections.	Check with your doctor to find out if you have received the vaccine. If not, get one!

Quick Tips

Diabetes Checklist

How do you measure up?

Hemoglobin A1c Test

Blood Pressure

Cholesterol Test

Kidney Management

Eye Exam

Foot Exam

Weight (Body Mass Index)

Smoking Status

Pneumonia Vaccine