diabetes 2

Here's what researchers know about controlling blood glucose (blood sugar) in people with diabetes: It's not easy
but it can be done. It takes hard work. And it can save your life.

An important new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that tight control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes-the number one killer of people with diabetes-by more than half.

For most people with diabetes
keeping blood glucose under tight control isn't easy. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that fewer than 45 percent of Americans with diabetes are reaching the level of control seen in the NIH study. But it can be done
and the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has materials that can help.

The National Diabetes Education Program's Control Your Diabetes. For Life. campaign materials teach people with diabetes how to know their ABCs-what their A1C (a test of blood glucose)
Blood pressure
and Cholesterol numbers are
what they should be
and how to work with their health care team to reach those goals. The materials also offer ideas for sticking to a healthy eating plan
ways to stay active with regular physical activity
and other tips for feeling better and staying healthy.

NDEP materials are easy to read
and available in English
Spanish
and in 15 Asian and Pacific Islander languages. They have been tailored for groups at high risk for diabetes
including American Indians and Alaska Natives
African Americans
and Hispanics/Latinos. And all NDEP materials are based on science
backed by the federal government
and copyright free.

For people with diabetes
controlling blood glucose-along with blood pressure and cholesterol-can save their sight
their limbs and their life.