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4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

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4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Image by CDC

Manage Your Diabetes for Life

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Managing Diabetes

Video by TheVisualMD

4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

Each year, 1.7 million Americans, ages 20 and up, are diagnosed with diabetes. People with diabetes have high levels of blood glucose (also called blood sugar). If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and other health problems. That’s why it’s important to manage your diabetes ABCs: A1C (blood glucose), blood pressure, and cholesterol. The 4 steps below are a good start.

Step 1: Learn about diabetes. If you’ve got diabetes, you need to make healthy food choices, move more every day, stay at a healthy weight, and take recommended medicines even when you feel good.

Step 2: Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Know your ABC goals, and track your progress.

Step 3: Learn how to live with diabetes. Even if you know the steps you should take to stay healthy, you may have trouble sticking with these steps over time. Work with your health care team to make a plan that will work for you.

Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy. See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early. Once each year, be sure to get a dilated eye exam and a complete foot exam.

Source: NIH News in Health

Additional Materials (4)

21:14

Diabetes debunked: Fact vs. fiction on ways to prevent, manage, and reverse the disease

Stanford Medicine/YouTube

6:08

Diabetes in children (8 of 9): Managing diabetes in school

Nicklaus Children's Hospital/YouTube

0:31

Take Control - Diabetes PSA

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

4:33

How to manage diabetes with exercise

Novo Nordisk/YouTube

Step 1: Learn About Diabetes

Obese Adult woman prone to Type 2 diabetes

Image by TheVisualMD

Managing Diabetes Step 1: Learn About Diabetes

What is diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes – Your body does not make insulin. This is a problem because you need insulin to take the sugar (glucose) from the foods you eat and turn it into energy for your body. You need to take insulin every day to live.
Type 2 diabetes – Your body does not make or use insulin well. You may need to take pills or insulin to help control your diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.
Gestational (jest-TAY-shun-al) diabetes – Some women get this kind of diabetes when they are pregnant. Most of the time, it goes away after the baby is born. But even if it goes away, these women and their children have a greater chance of getting diabetes later in life.

You are the most important member of your health care team.

You are the one who manages your diabetes day by day. Talk to your doctor about how you can best care for your diabetes to stay healthy. Some others who can help are:

dentist
diabetes doctor
diabetes educator
dietitian
eye doctor
foot doctor
friends and family
mental health counselor
nurse
nurse practitioner
pharmacist
social worker

How to learn more about diabetes.

Take classes to learn more about living with diabetes. To find a class, check with your health care team, hospital, or area health clinic. You can also search online.
Join a support group — in-person or online — to get peer support with managing your diabetes.

Take diabetes seriously.

You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it.

People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, move more every day, and take their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!

Why take care of your diabetes?

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to:

have more energy
be less tired and thirsty
need to pass urine less often
heal better
have fewer skin or bladder infections

You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as:

heart attack or stroke
eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind
pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, also called nerve damage
kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working
teeth and gum problems

Actions you can take

Ask your health care team what type of diabetes you have.
Learn where you can go for support.
Learn how caring for your diabetes helps you feel good today and in the future.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Additional Materials (37)

This browser does not support the video element.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Go deep inside your body to see how type 2 diabetes happens, what it does to your body-and what you can do about it. Diabetes expert Dr. David Katz of the Yale Prevention Research Center talks about the frightening future of diabetes: in just a few decades, one third of all Americans may have diabetes. See the pancreas, where insulin is produced. Real imaging data reveals the body's inner anatomy slice by slice, from brain to base of spine. Dr. Cynthia Geyer of Canyon Ranch talks about how insulin resistance develops. View its results, as visceral abdominal fat builds up and chokes the vital organs. Discover the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and find out if you should be tested. See the complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, vision damage, kidney disease, and gangrene. The good news? Diabetes is a highly manageable disease. Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch talks about controlling your risk for type 2 diabetes and, by managing it, reversing its symptoms and literally slowing the aging process.

Video by TheVisualMD

What is Type 1 diabetes? A children's guide | Diabetes UK

Video by Diabetes UK/YouTube

Diabetes and the body | Diabetes UK

Video by Diabetes UK/YouTube

Diabetes - The different types of diabetes and its treatment

Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube

What Is Type 1 Diabetes? | 2 Minute Guide | Diabetes UK

Video by Diabetes UK/YouTube

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Go deep inside your body to see how type 2 diabetes happens, what it does to your body-and what you can do about it. Diabetes expert Dr. David Katz of the Yale Prevention Research Center talks about the frightening future of diabetes: in just a few decades, one third of all Americans may have diabetes. See the pancreas, where insulin is produced. Real imaging data reveals the body's inner anatomy slice by slice, from brain to base of spine. Dr. Cynthia Geyer of Canyon Ranch talks about how insulin resistance develops. View its results, as visceral abdominal fat builds up and chokes the vital organs. Discover the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and find out if you should be tested. See the complications of diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, vision damage, kidney disease, and gangrene. The good news? Diabetes is a highly manageable disease. Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch talks about controlling your risk for type 2 diabetes and, by managing it, reversing its symptoms and literally slowing the aging process.

Image by TheVisualMD

Preventing Diabetes

Video by Diabetes.co.uk/YouTube

Preventing Pre-Diabetes

Video by Lee Health/YouTube

Preventing Complications of Diabetes - Christy Goff

Video by Swedish/YouTube

Diabetes Diet Plan II Diabetes Foods to Eat II Diabetes Plate Method II Blood Sugar Control Tips

Video by Medinaz/YouTube

Preventing or Delaying Type 2 Diabetes

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in the Digital Age

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Preventing or Delaying the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Video by Stanford Health Care/YouTube

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Kids

Video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

Preventing Diabetes

Video by Health Science Channel/YouTube

Easing Pain, Restoring Lives: Preventing Diabetes with Islet Cell Transplantation

Video by Dartmouth-Hitchcock/YouTube

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Video by My Doctor - Kaiser Permanente/YouTube

Preventing Diabetes Spanish

Video by Parkland Memorial Hospital/YouTube

Are you on the road to type 2 Diabetes?

Are you on the road to type 2 Diabetes?

Image by CDC

Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes Symptoms : One of the reasons type 2 diabetes is so dangerous is that it can progress for months or years without symptoms. As many as 6 million Americans may have undiagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. By the time symptoms emerge, a great deal of damage may already have been done. That's why it's important to be tested by a doctor if you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Image by TheVisualMD

Exercise to Both Prevent and Treat Diabetes

Exercise works like a wonder drug for diabetes. That's because exercise gets both your muscles and your liver to take up more glucose, lowering your blood sugar levels (pink particles).

Image by TheVisualMD

lifestyle change program - Diabetes

Image by CDC

This browser does not support the video element.

Managing Diabetes

The first step in managing type 2 diabetes is accepting the fact that you have diabetes. Diabetics need to take an active role in managing their condition. Regular doctor visits are a must to check on blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to monitor eye health. Dr. Michael Stein of Brown University talks about stabilizing kidney function. Blood sugar levels need to be monitored using self-testing kits. According to Dr. Osama Hamdy of the Joslin Diabetes Center, the best treatments for type 2 diabetes are diet and exercise, not medications. Cynthia Geyer of Canyon Ranch explains how exercise enables tissues to take up glucose independent of insulin receptors. Eating small sensible meals helps to keep blood sugar levels and weight under control. Losing 7% of body weight can increase insulin sensitivity by 50%--that's equivalent to two diabetes medications at maximum dose. Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch tells us the good news about diabetes: we have the ability to improve diabetes, and that isn't true of many conditions.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Hemoglobin A1c

The hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood sugar (glucose); the test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because the test results reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (rather than daily fluctuations), the hemoglobin A1C test is also used to gauge how well patients are managing their diabetes over time.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

The story of type 1 diabetes begins with your pancreas and your immune system. Your pancreas runs across the back of your abdomen, behind your stomach. The pancreas contains beta cells which produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that signals your body's cells to take in energy in the form of blood glucose (also known as blood sugar). In type 1 diabetes, the pancreatic beta cells produce little or no insulin because the body's immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The result is that without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells to provide energy. The body's cells begin to starve, leading to these symptoms: fatigue, weight loss, constant hunger, increased thirst, and frequent urination. When glucose cannot enter cells, it builds up in the bloodstream, leading to harmful complications such as cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, vision damage, and nerve damage.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Type 2 Diabetes Testing

An estimated 79 million Americans, just over 25 percent of the population aged 20 years or older, have prediabetes. Prediabetes is a state where blood sugars may be a little bit elevated, but are not yet elevated to a dangerous range. It is typically asymptomatic, and if undiagnosed and untreated, prediabetes may lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called type 2 diabetes. Complications of type 2 diabetes include blindness, heart attack, and stroke. Prediabetes is readily detectable through simple blood testing with a goal of detecting abnormal glucose levels. Two common and complementary tests include fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) tests. With early detection and diagnosis, appropriate and immediate action can be made by the patient to reduce complications and to ensure a long and healthy life.

Video by TheVisualMD

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Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis & Treatment

Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure how much sugar is in your blood. They include: hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood glucose, and oral glucose tolerance. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. About 5% of adults with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment. Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin, either through a pump or injections. Regular exercise as well as a diet low in refined carbohydrates will also help control blood sugar levels. By maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels, type 1 diabetics can lead normal lives free of serious complications.

Video by TheVisualMD

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Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes

About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and approximately 90%–95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease.

Video by StoryMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease

About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and approximately 90%–95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease.

Video by StoryMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Exercise & Diabetes

The body is powered by glucose, commonly called blood sugar, which it converts to fuel. In diabetics, the system of signaling the cells to take up glucose from the blood is impaired, disrupting this vital chain of events. Researchers have found that exercise helps diabetics' insulin sensitivity, meaning that their bodies are better able to gather up this glucose for energy. In fact, those who exercise at least 5 days a week and improve their diet improved their health more than diabetics who took medication only.

Video by TheVisualMD

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What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes is when a woman with no history of diabetes develops high blood sugar (or glucose) levels during her pregnancy. Glucose is a source of energy for the body. It moves in the bloodstream to cells, where it can be used as fuel. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar by telling cells to take in the glucose. Diabetics have high blood sugar because the glucose stays in their bloodstream instead of entering cells to supply energy. This is either because the cells are insulin resistant; the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or both.

Video by TheVisualMD

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Type 2 diabetes can be reversed

Animation of blood drop disappearing indicating reversal of diabetes.

Video by StoryMD

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Obesity Is Toxic

How does obesity lead to diabetes? Extremely overweight people have high levels of unbound fatty acids floating around in their bloodstreams. The surplus affects the liver's ability to store sugar, and the pancreas's ability to produce insulin to take up blood sugar. When these systems stop working, blood sugar becomes too high. The cells' natural response to insulin is disrupted and a person develops insulin resistance or diabetes. Further, insulin resistant and diabetic people build up visceral fat, which can lead to inflammation and more complications.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Blood Glucose and Baselining Your Health

Our bodies and brains run on glucose, a simple sugar produced by the digestion of carbohydrates. The body's ability to use glucose depends on the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Blood sugar levels naturally rise after meals, but insulin from a healthy pancreas keeps these levels within a narrow range. In diabetes, however, this balance is disrupted because either the body loses its ability to respond to insulin or the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. Too much or too little glucose in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and eyes, as well as nerve cells; acute disruptions of the insulin/glucose balance can be life threatening. Blood and urine tests can determine whether someone is diabetic or pre-diabetic. Diabetes is looming as a major public health concern; an estimated 25 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with more than a quarter of them undiagnosed.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

The Hemoglobin A1C Test Is One of the Tests for Diabetes

The hemoglobin A1C test is a long-term measure of blood glucose. Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Hemoglobin also binds with glucose. Diabetics have too much glucose in the bloodstream, and this extra glucose binds (or glycates) with hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin usually stays glycated for the life of the red blood cell (about three months). As such, the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (measured as A1C) reflects glucose levels that have affected red blood cells up to three months in the past.

Video by StoryMD

4:22

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

TheVisualMD

3:36

What is Type 1 diabetes? A children's guide | Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK/YouTube

8:45

Diabetes and the body | Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK/YouTube

3:05

Diabetes - The different types of diabetes and its treatment

Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube

2:28

What Is Type 1 Diabetes? | 2 Minute Guide | Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK/YouTube

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

TheVisualMD

1:17

Preventing Diabetes

Diabetes.co.uk/YouTube

1:41

Preventing Pre-Diabetes

Lee Health/YouTube

1:53

Preventing Complications of Diabetes - Christy Goff

Swedish/YouTube

4:49

Diabetes Diet Plan II Diabetes Foods to Eat II Diabetes Plate Method II Blood Sugar Control Tips

Medinaz/YouTube

1:06

Preventing or Delaying Type 2 Diabetes

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

4:57

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

3:47

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Maintaining a Healthy Weight

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

3:55

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in the Digital Age

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

1:09:30

Preventing or Delaying the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Stanford Health Care/YouTube

2:31

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Kids

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

3:08

Preventing Diabetes

Health Science Channel/YouTube

9:24

Easing Pain, Restoring Lives: Preventing Diabetes with Islet Cell Transplantation

Dartmouth-Hitchcock/YouTube

47:26

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

My Doctor - Kaiser Permanente/YouTube

1:33

Preventing Diabetes Spanish

Parkland Memorial Hospital/YouTube

Are you on the road to type 2 Diabetes?

CDC

Diabetes Symptoms

TheVisualMD

Exercise to Both Prevent and Treat Diabetes

TheVisualMD

lifestyle change program - Diabetes

CDC

3:08

Managing Diabetes

TheVisualMD

0:27

Hemoglobin A1c

TheVisualMD

1:25

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

TheVisualMD

5:52

Type 2 Diabetes Testing

TheVisualMD

1:12

Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis & Treatment

TheVisualMD

0:07

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes

StoryMD

0:03

Type 2 diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease

StoryMD

1:14

Exercise & Diabetes

TheVisualMD

3:05

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

TheVisualMD

0:04

Type 2 diabetes can be reversed

StoryMD

1:25

Obesity Is Toxic

TheVisualMD

1:36

Blood Glucose and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

0:07

The Hemoglobin A1C Test Is One of the Tests for Diabetes

StoryMD

Step 2: Know Your Diabetes ABCs

This browser does not support the video element.

Hemoglobin A1c

Video by TheVisualMD

Managing Diabetes Step 2: Know Your Diabetes ABCs

Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems.

A for the A1C test (A-one-C).

What is it?

The A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It is different from the blood sugar checks you do each day.

Why is it important?

You need to know your blood sugar levels over time. You don’t want those numbers to get too high. High levels of blood sugar can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.

What is the A1C goal?

The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be.

B for Blood pressure.

What is it?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels.

Why is it important?

If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, and damage your kidneys and eyes.

What is the blood pressure goal?

The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be.

C for Cholesterol (ko-LESS-tuh-ruhl).

What is it?

There are two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL.

LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or stroke.

HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels.

What are the LDL and HDL goals?

Ask what your cholesterol numbers should be. Your goals may be different from other people. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health.

Actions you can take

Ask your health care team:
- what your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers are and what they should be. Your ABC goals will depend on how long you have had diabetes, other health problems, and how hard your diabetes is to manage.
- what you can do to reach your ABC goals
Write down your numbers on the record at the back of this booklet to track your progress.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Additional Materials (19)

Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

Video by DiabeTV/YouTube

What Is An A1C?

Video by dLife/YouTube

The 411 On Your A1c

Video by Lee Health/YouTube

Is Your A1C AOK?

Video by Lee Health/YouTube

Understanding Your A1C (Conditions A-Z)

Video by Healthguru/YouTube

Diabetes and Its Effect on the Heart and Blood Vessels

Video by lipigard/YouTube

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney disease

Video by KRIS 6 News/YouTube

Diabetes and cholesterol | How it works | Diabetes UK

Video by Diabetes UK/YouTube

Take Diabetes to Heart: Linking Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Cholesterol Good and Bad

Video by The National Library of Medicine/YouTube

Home A1C

Home A1C

Image by Alan Levine

HemoglobinA1C molecule

The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then to gauge how well you're managing your diabetes. The A1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c. The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control. And if you have previously diagnosed diabetes, the higher the A1C level, the higher your risk of diabetes complications.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure

Reading Blood Pressure : Blood pressure is usually stated as two numbers. The first, or top number, represents the pressure when your heart contracts: the systolic pressure. The second, or bottom number, represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats: the diastolic pressure.

Image by TheVisualMD

Doctor Taking Woman's Blood Pressure

This image shows a female patient having blood pressure read by a male doctor and by using a blood pressure cuff in a clinical setting. Hypertension is often referred to as the \"silent killer,\" because it can cause no symptoms and go undetected for years. And as hypertension goes undiagnosed, the delicate linings of your blood vessels are being damaged, particularly those of the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure; it has nothing to do with whether a person is considered tense or high-strung. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force the blood exerts as it pushes against the walls of your arteries. Your blood pressure is measured by a blood pressure cuff that is wrapped around your upper arm. Originally the readings referred to the height of a displaced column of mercury, but as in thermometers, the mercury yardstick is giving way to digital technologies. The \"top\" or first number-systolic pressure-represents the blood's pressure as the heart is contracted. The \"bottom\" or second number-diastolic pressure-represents the blood's pressure in the vessels when the heart is relaxed. Normal blood pressure is in the range of 120 (systolic) over 70 (diastolic).

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure Ranges

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an important risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. A physician uses a sphygomomanometer to measure a patient's blood pressure by inflating a rubber cuff around his or her arm. The reading is shown on the scale represented in this image. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure in an artery when the heart beats, or contracts. This number is higher than the diastolic pressure, which is occurring when the heart is at rest, between beats. Average blood pressure for adults is 120/80, with the systolic pressure denoted over the diastolic pressure.

Image by TheVisualMD

LDL Particles rotation

LDL particle number, which is different from LDL level, is a very powerful test for predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. A high LDL particle number raises the risk of heart attack. Numerous studies have shown that it is very common for LDL level to be low while LDL particle number is high. Because LDL level is far more frequently tested than LDL particle number, many people with low LDL levels are under the mistaken impression they are at low risk for heart attack.

Image by TheVisualMD

HDL and LDL Molecules Subfractionization

The standard lipid profile, which measures the quantity of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood stream, has proven itself to be very useful in identifying many people who are risk for heart disease. But it doesn't catch everyone at risk. A more detailed lipid profile, called lipoprotein subfraction testing, divides the basic cholesterol groups into finer categories, which makes possible more accurate risk assessment. This interactive features all of the different tests involved in a lipid panel- HDL, LDL and VLDL, and the different subclasses for each.

Image by TheVisualMD

What Is HDL and LDL Cholesterol?

This video explains the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol. It also reveals what may occur when there are high levels of LDL in the body.LDL may stick to an artery's inner wall causing the build up of plaque, affecting blood flow. When an artery stiffens and constricts, aneurysm, heart attack, and stroke can occur.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

The Hemoglobin A1C Test Is One of the Tests for Diabetes

The hemoglobin A1C test is a long-term measure of blood glucose. Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Hemoglobin also binds with glucose. Diabetics have too much glucose in the bloodstream, and this extra glucose binds (or glycates) with hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin usually stays glycated for the life of the red blood cell (about three months). As such, the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (measured as A1C) reflects glucose levels that have affected red blood cells up to three months in the past.

Video by StoryMD

1:43

Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

DiabeTV/YouTube

3:03

What Is An A1C?

dLife/YouTube

1:56

The 411 On Your A1c

Lee Health/YouTube

1:41

Is Your A1C AOK?

Lee Health/YouTube

1:10

Understanding Your A1C (Conditions A-Z)

Healthguru/YouTube

2:04

Diabetes and Its Effect on the Heart and Blood Vessels

lipigard/YouTube

3:44

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney disease

KRIS 6 News/YouTube

2:00

Diabetes and cholesterol | How it works | Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK/YouTube

2:17

Take Diabetes to Heart: Linking Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

3:01

Cholesterol Good and Bad

The National Library of Medicine/YouTube

Home A1C

Alan Levine

HemoglobinA1C molecule

TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure

TheVisualMD

Doctor Taking Woman's Blood Pressure

TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure Ranges

TheVisualMD

LDL Particles rotation

TheVisualMD

HDL and LDL Molecules Subfractionization

TheVisualMD

What Is HDL and LDL Cholesterol?

TheVisualMD

0:07

The Hemoglobin A1C Test Is One of the Tests for Diabetes

StoryMD

A = A1C

Hemoglobin A1C Test

Also called: A1C test, HbA1c, Glycohemoglobin, Glycated hemoglobin, Glycosylated hemoglobin

A hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) attached to hemoglobin. An A1C test can show your average glucose level for the past three months. Doctors may use the A1C alone or in combination with other diabetes tests to make a diagnosis. They also use the A1C to see how well you are managing your diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C Test

Also called: A1C test, HbA1c, Glycohemoglobin, Glycated hemoglobin, Glycosylated hemoglobin

A hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) attached to hemoglobin. An A1C test can show your average glucose level for the past three months. Doctors may use the A1C alone or in combination with other diabetes tests to make a diagnosis. They also use the A1C to see how well you are managing your diabetes.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
%{Hb}
5.7
6.5
Your result is Normal.
Normal results can slightly vary based on the laboratory and the method used.
Related conditions
A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past two to three months.
Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that comes from the foods you eat. Your cells use glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into your cells. If you have diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin, or your cells don't use it well. As a result, glucose can't get into your cells, so your blood sugar levels increase.
Glucose in your blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. As your blood glucose levels increase, more of your hemoglobin will be coated with glucose. An A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
An A1C test can show your average glucose level for the past three months because:
- Glucose sticks to hemoglobin for as long as the red blood cells are alive.
- Red blood cells live about three months.
High A1C levels are a sign of high blood glucose from diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. But with treatment and lifestyle changes, you can control your blood glucose levels.
An A1C test may be used to screen for or diagnose:
- Type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes your blood glucose gets too high because your body doesn't make enough insulin to move blood sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, or because your cells stop responding to insulin.
- Prediabetes. Prediabetes means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnosed as diabetes. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise, may help delay or prevent prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, an A1C test can help monitor your condition and check how well you've been able to control your blood sugar levels.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends A1C testing for diabetes and prediabetes if:
- You are over age 45.
  If your results are normal, you should repeat the test every 3 years.
  If your results show you have prediabetes, you will usually need to be tested every 1 to 2 years. Ask your provider how often to get tested and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
  If your results show you have diabetes, you should get an A1C test at least twice a year to monitor your condition and treatment.
- You are under 45 and are more likely to develop diabetes because you:
  Have prediabetes.
  Are overweight or have obesity.
  Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.
  Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
  Have heart disease or have had a stroke.
  Are physically active less than 3 times a week.
  Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby over 9 pounds.
  Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or an Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
  Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
You may also need an A1C test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating (peeing) a lot
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very hungry
- Blurred vision
- Numb or tingling hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Sores that heal slowly
- Having more infections than usual
A1C results tell you what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with glucose. The percent ranges are just a guide to what is normal. What's normal for you depends on your health, age, and other factors. Ask your provider what A1C percentage is healthy for you.
To diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, the percentages commonly used are:
- Normal: A1C below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Diabetes: A1C of 6.5% or higher
Providers often use more than one test to diagnose diabetes. So, if your test result was higher than normal, you may have another A1C test or a different type of diabetes test, usually either a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
If your A1C test was done to monitor your diabetes, talk with your provider about what your test results mean.
1. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Oct 05, 2022]
2. https://diabetesed.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2018-ADA-Standards-of-Care.pdf [accessed on Apr 19, 2019]
3. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/hemoglobin-a1c [accessed on Apr 19, 2019]
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/tests-diagnosis/a1c-test [accessed on Apr 19, 2019]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (24)

Hemoglobin A1C molecule

Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. Hemoglobin also binds with glucose. Diabetics have too much glucose in the bloodstream and this extra glucose binds (or glycates) with hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin usually stays glycated for the life of the red blood cell (about 3 months). Therefore, the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (measured as A1C) reflects glucose levels that have affected red blood cells up to 3 months in the past.

Image by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C: Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells use the iron-rich protein hemoglobin to carry oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs. The percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood glucose (hemoglobin A1C) is used to diagnose diabetes.

Image by TheVisualMD

Testing and Diagnosing Diabetes

Several tests are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. In June 2009, the ADA, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the International Diabetes Federation made a joint recommendation that type 2 diabetes testing include the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This test measures average blood glucose level during the past 2-3 months by measuring the percentage of glucose attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein pigment in red blood cells.

Image by TheVisualMD

HemoglobinA1C molecule

The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then to gauge how well you're managing your diabetes. The A1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c. The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control. And if you have previously diagnosed diabetes, the higher the A1C level, the higher your risk of diabetes complications.

Image by TheVisualMD

α,β-hemoglobin/haptoglobin hexamer complex

A model of α,β-hemoglobin/haptoglobin hexamer complex. There are 2 α,β-hemoglobin dimers depicted: one space filling model (yellow/orange), and one ribbon model (purple/blue). Each is bound by a haptoglobin molecule (both haptoglobin molecules are shown in pink, with one as a space filling model and one as a ribbon model).

Image by Ayacop

Hemoglobin, Carbon Monoxide

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that enables red blood cells to deliver oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. But the same binding site on the hemoglobin molecule has an even stronger affinity for carbon monoxide, which is why we are so susceptible to poisoning by this deadly gas; carbon monoxide grabs all the binding sites and starves the body's tissues of oxygen

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Hemoglobin A1c

The hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to blood sugar (glucose); the test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because the test results reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months (rather than daily fluctuations), the hemoglobin A1C test is also used to gauge how well patients are managing their diabetes over time.

Video by TheVisualMD

Understanding Your A1C (Conditions A-Z)

Video by Healthguru/YouTube

Haemoglobin

Video by Wellcome Trust/YouTube

A1c - What You Need To Know

Video by Rehealthify/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Type 2 Diabetes Testing

An estimated 79 million Americans, just over 25 percent of the population aged 20 years or older, have prediabetes. Prediabetes is a state where blood sugars may be a little bit elevated, but are not yet elevated to a dangerous range. It is typically asymptomatic, and if undiagnosed and untreated, prediabetes may lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called type 2 diabetes. Complications of type 2 diabetes include blindness, heart attack, and stroke. Prediabetes is readily detectable through simple blood testing with a goal of detecting abnormal glucose levels. Two common and complementary tests include fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) tests. With early detection and diagnosis, appropriate and immediate action can be made by the patient to reduce complications and to ensure a long and healthy life.

Video by TheVisualMD

Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Video by Animated Diabetes Patient/YouTube

Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

Video by DiabeTV/YouTube

Diabetic HbA1c - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Video by nabil ebraheim/YouTube

What Is An A1C?

Video by dLife/YouTube

A1C Levels

Video by Khan Academy/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis & Treatment

Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure how much sugar is in your blood. They include: hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood glucose, and oral glucose tolerance. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. About 5% of adults with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Early diagnosis is crucial for early treatment. Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin, either through a pump or injections. Regular exercise as well as a diet low in refined carbohydrates will also help control blood sugar levels. By maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels, type 1 diabetics can lead normal lives free of serious complications.

Video by TheVisualMD

The 411 On Your A1c

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Is Your A1C AOK?

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What if the root cause of type 2 diabetes is found in the gut rather than the pancreas?

Video by TEDMED/YouTube

Lactate Threshold Test

Video by Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube

How HbA1c testing detects glucose in your body for diabetes type 2

Video by Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

A Critical Balance

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3

4

5

6

7

8

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10

11

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Diabetes in the US

Interactive by TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C molecule

TheVisualMD

Hemoglobin A1C: Red Blood Cells

TheVisualMD

Testing and Diagnosing Diabetes

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HemoglobinA1C molecule

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α,β-hemoglobin/haptoglobin hexamer complex

Ayacop

Hemoglobin, Carbon Monoxide

TheVisualMD

0:27

Hemoglobin A1c

TheVisualMD

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Understanding Your A1C (Conditions A-Z)

Healthguru/YouTube

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Haemoglobin

Wellcome Trust/YouTube

1:28

A1c - What You Need To Know

Rehealthify/YouTube

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Type 2 Diabetes Testing

TheVisualMD

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Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Animated Diabetes Patient/YouTube

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Hemoglobin A1c & Diabetes

DiabeTV/YouTube

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Diabetic HbA1c - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

nabil ebraheim/YouTube

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What Is An A1C?

dLife/YouTube

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A1C Levels

Khan Academy/YouTube

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Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis & Treatment

TheVisualMD

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The 411 On Your A1c

Lee Health/YouTube

1:41

Is Your A1C AOK?

Lee Health/YouTube

3:21

What if the root cause of type 2 diabetes is found in the gut rather than the pancreas?

TEDMED/YouTube

1:06

Lactate Threshold Test

Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube

2:28

How HbA1c testing detects glucose in your body for diabetes type 2

Pathology Tests Explained/YouTube

Diabetes in the US

TheVisualMD

B = Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure Test

Also called: Blood pressure reading, Blood pressure screening, Systolic (maximum) pressure over diastolic (minimum) pressure

A blood pressure measurement is a test most often used to check for high blood pressure, a common condition that increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The test can diagnose high blood pressure early, so it can be treated before it causes serious complications.

Blood Pressure Test

Also called: Blood pressure reading, Blood pressure screening, Systolic (maximum) pressure over diastolic (minimum) pressure

A blood pressure measurement is a test most often used to check for high blood pressure, a common condition that increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The test can diagnose high blood pressure early, so it can be treated before it causes serious complications.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
mm Hg
90
121
130
140
Your result is Low.
Some people can naturally have low blood pressure levels. However, in most cases, a BP lower than 90/60 can cause signs and symptoms of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and nausea.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
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81
90
Your result is Low.
Some people can naturally have low blood pressure levels. However, in most cases, a BP lower than 90/60 can cause signs and symptoms of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and nausea.
Related conditions
Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. A blood pressure measurement is a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (the first and higher number) measures pressure inside your arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the second and lower number) measures the pressure inside the artery when the heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects tens of millions of adults in the United States. It increases the risk of life-threatening conditions including heart attack and stroke. But high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms. A blood pressure measurement helps diagnose high blood pressure early, so it may be treated before it leads to serious complications.
A blood pressure measurement is most often used to diagnose high blood pressure.
Blood pressure that's too low, known as hypotension, is much less common. But you may get tested for low blood pressure if you have certain symptoms. Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure usually causes symptoms. These include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Cold, sweaty skin
- Pale skin
- Fainting
- Weakness
A blood pressure measurement is often included as part of a regular checkup. Adults 18 years and older should have their blood pressure measured at least once every two to five years. You should get tested every year if you have certain risk factors. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are 40 years old or older
- Are overweight or have obesity
- Have a family history of heart disease or diabetes
- Take birth control pills
- Are Black/African American. Black/African Americans have a higher rate of high blood pressure than other racial and ethnic groups
You may need this test if you have symptoms of low blood pressure.
A blood pressure test includes the following steps:
- You will sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- You will rest your arm on a table or other surface, so your arm is level with your heart. You may be asked to roll up your sleeve.
- Your provider will wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm. A blood pressure cuff is a strap-like device. It should fit snugly around your upper arm, with the bottom edge placed just above your elbow.
- Your provider will inflate the blood pressure cuff using a small hand pump or by pressing a button on an automated device.
- Your provider will measure the pressure manually (by hand) or with an automated device.
  If manually, he or she will place a stethoscope over the major artery in your upper arm to listen to the blood flow and pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates.
  If using an automated device, the blood pressure cuff automatically inflates, deflates, and measures pressure.
- As the blood pressure cuff inflates, you'll feel it tighten around your arm.
- Your provider will then open a valve on the cuff to slowly release air from it. As the cuff deflates, blood pressure will fall.
- As the pressure falls, a measurement is taken when the sound of blood pulsing is first heard. This is the systolic pressure.
- As the air continues to be let out, the blood pulsing sound will start to go away. When it completely stops, another measurement is taken. This is the diastolic pressure.
This test only takes about one minute to complete.

Your results, also known as a blood pressure reading, will contain two numbers. The top or first number is the systolic pressure. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure. High blood pressure readings are also labeled by categories, ranging from normal to crisis. Your reading may show your blood pressure is:

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic Blood Pressure		Diastolic Blood Pressure
Normal	Less than 120	and	Less than 80
High Blood Pressure (no other heart risk factors)	140 or higher	or	90 or higher
High Blood Pressure (with other heart risk factors, according to some providers)	130 or higher	or	80 or higher
Dangerously high blood pressure - seek medical care right away	180 or higher	and	120 or higher

If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medicines to control your blood pressure. Your provider may also recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure at home with an automated blood pressure monitor. An at-home blood pressure monitor usually includes a blood pressure cuff and a digital device to record and display blood pressure readings.

Home monitoring is not a replacement for regular visits to your provider. But it can provide important information, such as whether treatment is working or your condition may have worsened. Also, home monitoring may make the test less stressful. Many people get nervous about getting their blood pressure taken at a provider's office. This is called "white coat syndrome." It can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, making the results less accurate. For more information about home monitoring of blood pressure, talk to your provider.

If you were tested for low blood pressure, a blood pressure reading of 90 systolic, 60 diastolic (90/60) or lower is considered abnormal. Treatments for low blood pressure may include medicines and making certain changes to your diet.

If you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes.
- Exercise regularly. Staying active can help lower your blood pressure and also help manage your weight. Most adults should aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Check with your provider before beginning an exercise program.
- Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetable, and whole grains. Limit foods high in saturated fat and total fat.
- Reduce salt in your diet. Most adults should have less than 1500 mg of salt per day.
- Limit alcohol use. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are a woman; two drinks a day if you're a man.
- Don't smoke.
1. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/measure.htm [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
3. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/node/80139 [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
4. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
5. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/01/experts-lower-high-blood-pressure-numbers [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
6. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/01/blood-pressure-matters [accessed on Mar 24, 2019]
7. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-guideline-for-high-blood-pressure-in-adults [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
8. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/14/14/42/the-2017-high-blood-pressure-guideline-risk-reduction-through-better-management [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]

Additional Materials (50)

This browser does not support the video element.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is stated as two numbers that represent the highest and lowest pressure your heart attains during a single beat. The first or top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts: the systolic pressure. The second or bottom number represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats: the diastolic pressure.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

What is Hypertension?

Go deep inside the human body to understand how your blood pressure works, as you travel into the vessels to see the damage that high blood pressure leaves in its wake. Listen to some of the world's top doctors, including renowned cardiologist Mehmet Oz, talk about why hypertension is "the silent killer" and how you can defend yourself against it.

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How blood pressure works - Wilfred Manzano

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What is blood pressure? | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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The Heart, Part 1 - Under Pressure: Crash Course A&P #25

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The Heart, Part 2 - Heart Throbs: Crash Course A&P #26

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Systole vs. Diastole | Match Health

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Lub Dub | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Understanding Blood Pressure | Human Anatomy and Physiology video 3D animation | elearnin

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Regulation of blood pressure with baroreceptors | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs, and extra heart sounds - Part 1 | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs, and extra heart sounds - Part 2 | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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High Blood Pressure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

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Blood Pressure Medicines - What You Need To Know

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High blood pressure - What is it?

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Treating High Blood Pressure

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Medicating for High Blood Pressure (HBP #3)

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High Blood Pressure and Your Kidneys - A to Z Guide

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Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System

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5 Major Effects of High Blood Pressure - 3D Medical Animation

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High Blood Pressure Basics

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Hypertension

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Hypertension and Stroke (Health Tip)

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Medical Shock - The Correct Treatment

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Cardiogenic shock | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Syncope Diagnosed

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Syncope Causes

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Hypertension - High Blood Pressure, Animation

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British Heart Foundation - Your guide to 24 hour blood pressure and Holter monitoring tests

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The Cardiac Cycle, Animation

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Aldosterone raises blood pressure and lowers potassium | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Understanding Blood Pressure

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SPRINT Participant Has Blood Pressure Measured

In this image: Mr. Curtis Minor, 58 year old AA Male who is taking part in the SPRINT study at Downtown Health Plaza with Miriam Baird, RN. A major NIH-funded clinical trial has discovered nuanced evidence linking brain and vascular health.

Image by National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Man getting Blood Pressure Reading

Some risk factors for prostate cancer are controllable, some aren't. Knowing what the risk factors are can help you to lower your chances of getting prostate cancer and to make decisions about beginning screening.

Image by TheVisualMD

Doctor Taking Woman's Blood Pressure

This image shows a female patient having blood pressure read by a male doctor and by using a blood pressure cuff in a clinical setting. Hypertension is often referred to as the \"silent killer,\" because it can cause no symptoms and go undetected for years. And as hypertension goes undiagnosed, the delicate linings of your blood vessels are being damaged, particularly those of the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure; it has nothing to do with whether a person is considered tense or high-strung. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force the blood exerts as it pushes against the walls of your arteries. Your blood pressure is measured by a blood pressure cuff that is wrapped around your upper arm. Originally the readings referred to the height of a displaced column of mercury, but as in thermometers, the mercury yardstick is giving way to digital technologies. The \"top\" or first number-systolic pressure-represents the blood's pressure as the heart is contracted. The \"bottom\" or second number-diastolic pressure-represents the blood's pressure in the vessels when the heart is relaxed. Normal blood pressure is in the range of 120 (systolic) over 70 (diastolic).

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure

Taking a person's blood pressure

Image by BruceBlaus

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is stated as two numbers that represent the highest and lowest pressure your heart attains during a single beat. The first or top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts: the systolic pressure. The second or bottom number represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats: the diastolic pressure.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure Ranges

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an important risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. A physician uses a sphygomomanometer to measure a patient's blood pressure by inflating a rubber cuff around his or her arm. The reading is shown on the scale represented in this image. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure in an artery when the heart beats, or contracts. This number is higher than the diastolic pressure, which is occuring when the heart is at rest, between beats. Average blood pressure for adults is 120/80, with the systolic pressure denoted over the diastolic pressure.

Image by TheVisualMD

Man with Visible Brain and Heart

The most obvious way in which your body manages blood flow and pressure is to change the heart rate. When the pulse rate goes up, in general, the pressure in the system goes up, which in turns drives the blood around the body more quickly. The blood vessels themselves also play an important role in pressure-management. Blood vessels are \"living pipes\". They're elastic and flexible and have special sensors called baroreceptors that monitor the ebb and flow of blood. Baroreceptors are actually nerve bundles that provide immediate feedback to the brain. With this information and depending on the needs of the moment, the arteries dilate and contract to help propel blood through the system. Blood can be diverted to muscles during exercise, for example, or away from the skin during cold weather to avoid heat loss. The arteries can contract to prevent blood loss due to injury or dilate to flood the face for that telling blush.

Image by TheVisualMD

Arm with Blood Pressure Cuff

This diagram represents the number of individuals affected with hypertension. The American Heart Association estimates that nearly one-third of Americans have hypertension.

Image by TheVisualMD

Keeping Blood Pressure Healthy

Image by TheVisualMD

Medicating High Blood Pressure

If lifestyle changes don’t reduce blood pressure to an acceptable level, doctors will generally prescribe antihypertensive medications. There are a number of different types of antihypertensives available. The most commonly prescribed include: Thiazide diuretics. Often the first drug prescribed, diuretics dilate blood vessels and also decrease fluid volume in the body by helping the kidneys to eliminate salt and water. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors reduce hypertension by dilating arterioles (the smallest divisions of the arteries, linking the arteries and the capillaries). They do this by blocking the production of ACE, a naturally occurring substance that constricts blood vessels. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs dilate arterioles, but they accomplish this by preventing ACE from having any effect on the heart and blood vessels. ARBs are often prescribed for people who experience adverse side effects from ACE inhibitors.

Image by TheVisualMD

2:46

What is Blood Pressure?

TheVisualMD

3:36

What is Hypertension?

TheVisualMD

4:32

How blood pressure works - Wilfred Manzano

TED-Ed/YouTube

6:21

What is blood pressure? | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

10:08

The Heart, Part 1 - Under Pressure: Crash Course A&P #25

CrashCourse/YouTube

9:34

The Heart, Part 2 - Heart Throbs: Crash Course A&P #26

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1:35

Systole vs. Diastole | Match Health

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9:50

Lub Dub | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

2:49

Understanding Blood Pressure | Human Anatomy and Physiology video 3D animation | elearnin

Elearnin/YouTube

12:09

Regulation of blood pressure with baroreceptors | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

12:07

Systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs, and extra heart sounds - Part 1 | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

14:39

Systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs, and extra heart sounds - Part 2 | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

1:46

High Blood Pressure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Rehealthify/YouTube

1:11

Blood Pressure Medicines - What You Need To Know

Rehealthify/YouTube

3:10

High blood pressure - What is it?

Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube

3:00

Treating High Blood Pressure

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

3:20

Medicating for High Blood Pressure (HBP #3)

Healthguru/YouTube

1:07

High Blood Pressure and Your Kidneys - A to Z Guide

National Kidney Foundation/YouTube

3:43

Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System

Mechanisms in Medicine/YouTube

3:01

5 Major Effects of High Blood Pressure - 3D Medical Animation

kreativevistas/YouTube

1:32

High Blood Pressure Basics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/YouTube

7:19

Hypertension effects on the heart | Health & Medicine | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

2:29

Hypertension

GABAY MEDICAL library/YouTube

1:04

Hypertension and Stroke (Health Tip)

Healthguru/YouTube

2:11

Medical Shock - The Correct Treatment

justdoitguides/YouTube

10:50

Cardiogenic shock | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

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Consequences of High Blood Pressure (HBP #2)

Healthguru/YouTube

2:02

Shock Explained in 120 Seconds | Treatment, Symptoms, Causes | Video

Lifestyle by IK/YouTube

7:15

What is shock? | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

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Shock - hemodynamics | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

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Hypovolemic shock | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

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Syncope Diagnosed

smallcogbigmachine/YouTube

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Syncope Causes

smallcogbigmachine/YouTube

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How the heart actually pumps blood - Edmond Hui

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Hypertension - High Blood Pressure, Animation

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British Heart Foundation - Your guide to 24 hour blood pressure and Holter monitoring tests

British Heart Foundation/YouTube

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What are Palpitations

smallcogbigmachine/YouTube

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The Cardiac Cycle, Animation

Alila Medical Media/YouTube

13:18

Aldosterone raises blood pressure and lowers potassium | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

1:55

Understanding Blood Pressure

British Heart Foundation/YouTube

SPRINT Participant Has Blood Pressure Measured

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Man getting Blood Pressure Reading

TheVisualMD

Doctor Taking Woman's Blood Pressure

TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure

BruceBlaus

Blood Pressure

TheVisualMD

Blood Pressure Ranges

TheVisualMD

Man with Visible Brain and Heart

TheVisualMD

Arm with Blood Pressure Cuff

TheVisualMD

Keeping Blood Pressure Healthy

TheVisualMD

Medicating High Blood Pressure

TheVisualMD

C = Cholesterol

Cholesterol Test

Also called: Cholesterol Levels, Blood Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of each type of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. High cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease.

Cholesterol Test

Also called: Cholesterol Levels, Blood Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of each type of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. High cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
mg/dL
200
240
Your result is Desirable.
While cholesterol levels can vary widely among healthy individuals, total cholesterol levels below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered most desirable.
Related conditions
If you have high cholesterol, you may not experience any symptoms at all, but you could be at significant risk for heart disease. A cholesterol test can give your health care provider important information about the cholesterol levels in your blood. The test measures:
- LDL levels. Also known as the "bad" cholesterol, LDL is the main source of blockages in the arteries.
- HDL levels. Considered the "good" cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of "bad" LDL cholesterol.
- Total cholesterol. The combined amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in your blood.
- Triglycerides A type of fat found in your blood. According to some studies, high levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
- VLDL levels. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is another type of "bad" cholesterol. Development of plaque on the arteries has been linked to high VLDL levels. It's not easy to measure VLDL, so most of the time these levels are estimated based on triglyceride measurements.
Your doctor may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam, or if you have a family history of heart disease or one or more of the following risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Excess weight or obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- A diet high in saturated fat
Your age may also be a factor, because your risk for heart disease increases as you get older.

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below shows how the different types of cholesterol measurements are categorized.

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200mg/dL	Desirable
200-239 mg/dL	Borderline high
240mg/dL and above	High

LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level	LDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 100mg/dL	Optimal
100-129mg/dL	Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL	Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High

HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level	HDL Cholesterol Category
60 mg/dL and higher	Considered protective against heart disease
40-59 mg/dL	The higher, the better
Less than 40 mg/dL	A major risk factor for heart disease

A healthy cholesterol range for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. High levels of triglycerides may also put you at risk for heart disease.

The LDL on your results may say "calculated" which means it includes a calculation of total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured "directly," without using other measurements. Regardless, you want your LDL number to be low.

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. While some risk factors for cholesterol, such as age and heredity, are beyond your control, there are actions you can take to lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk, including:
- Eating a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
- Losing weight. Being overweight can increase your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
- Staying active. Regular exercise may help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It may also help you lose weight.
Talk to your health care provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (12)

Total Cholesterol: Heart

The heart beats about 100,000 times a day, pumping blood through a vast system of arteries, veins and microscopic capillaries. While many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including cholesterol levels, are related to lifestyle, others are largely genetic.

Image by TheVisualMD

Total Cholesterol: Heart and Liver

The liver produces most of the body's cholesterol in order to package fats in the form of lipoproteins. HDL is referred to as \"good\" cholesterol because it picks up excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver for disposal.

Image by TheVisualMD

Total Cholesterol: Thrombus

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel. If the clot is large or persistent enough, it can obstruct blood flow, which can starve tissue of oxygen-carrying blood. Most strokes are the result of thrombosis.

Image by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Lipids, Heart Health and Baselining Your Health

Your blood "knows" what you eat, meaning that the cardiovascular system is a sensitive barometer of a person's health, including diet. What individuals eat is reflected in their blood chemistry and the health of their heart, arteries and vessels. Fats (also known as lipids), for example, are vital to health and wellbeing throughout our lives and yet they are mostly associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease. The problem is that not all fats (or cholesterol) are equal. They share basic chemical similarities, but they also have important differences, which, in turn, result in different roles and effects in the body. Tests that offer information on diet and heart health include total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Voyage inside your body to see where cholesterol is made and how plaques form inside your arteries. Witness the inner workings of your own personal cholesterol factory: your liver. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Peter Fail, and other top experts talk about cholesterol-how it accumulates with other substances in your arteries as plaque, and what happens when plaques rupture. See exactly how tiny stents are inserted in blocked vessels, and view footage of actual bypass surgery. Discover how you can keep your arteries clear and flexible through lifestyle changes and medications.

Video by TheVisualMD

What cholesterol is and what cholesterol blood tests show

Video by Bupa Health UK/YouTube

Cholesterol Blood Test

Video by Baptist Health Physician Partners/YouTube

Cholesterol - what is it and how can you prevent high cholesterol?

Video by Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube

Cholesterol Good and Bad

Video by The National Library of Medicine/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

What Is HDL and LDL Cholesterol?

This video explains the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol. It also reveals what may occur when there are high levels of LDL in the body.LDL may stick to an artery's inner wall causing the build up of plaque, affecting blood flow. When an artery stiffens and constricts, aneurysm, heart attack, and stroke can occur.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Refined Carbohydrates and Atherosclerosis

Refined Carbohydrates and Atherosclerosis : In atherosclerosis, hard, fatty deposits called plaque build up inside your arteries. For decades it was thought that eating too many fatty foods, especially foods rich in cholesterol, was to blame for plaque accumulation.

Video by TheVisualMD

This browser does not support the video element.

Cardiovascular Inflammation

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. The most common cause of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries that leads to the hardening of arterial walls and the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques, or atheromas. Although the process of inflammation can be beneficial in other parts of the body, chronic inflammation within arterial walls is problematic as it seems to promote this underlying growth of plaque. The combination of arterial inflammation and the growth of plaque can lead to the rupture of the plaque, and result in a blood clot. Blood clots can lead to dangerous conditions such as heart attack or stroke.

Video by TheVisualMD

Total Cholesterol: Heart

TheVisualMD

Total Cholesterol: Heart and Liver

TheVisualMD

Total Cholesterol: Thrombus

TheVisualMD

2:46

Lipids, Heart Health and Baselining Your Health

TheVisualMD

3:10

What Is Atherosclerosis?

TheVisualMD

3:53

What cholesterol is and what cholesterol blood tests show

Bupa Health UK/YouTube

3:06

Cholesterol Blood Test

Baptist Health Physician Partners/YouTube

2:42

Cholesterol - what is it and how can you prevent high cholesterol?

Healthchanneltv / cherishyourhealthtv/YouTube

3:01

Cholesterol Good and Bad

The National Library of Medicine/YouTube

0:45

What Is HDL and LDL Cholesterol?

TheVisualMD

2:21

Refined Carbohydrates and Atherosclerosis

TheVisualMD

4:26

Cardiovascular Inflammation

TheVisualMD

Step 3: Learn How to Live with Diabetes

Exercise to Both Prevent and Treat Diabetes

Image by TheVisualMD

Managing Diabetes Step 3: Learn How to Live with Diabetes

It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes. You may know the steps you should take to stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with your plan over time. This section has tips on how to cope with your diabetes, eat well, and be active.

Cope with your diabetes.

Stress can raise your blood sugar. Learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, meditating, working on your hobby, or listening to your favorite music.
Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Eat well.

Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.
Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.
Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.
When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Be active.

Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Start slow by taking 10 minute walks, 3 times a day.
Twice a week, work to increase your muscle strength. Use stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening (digging and planting with tools), or try push-ups.
Stay at or get to a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Know what to do every day.

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.
Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).
Keep track of your blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your blood sugar numbers. Be sure to talk about it with your health care team.
Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and keep a record of it.

Talk to your health care team.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes.
Report any changes in your health.

Actions you can take

Ask for a healthy meal plan.
Ask about ways to be more active.
Ask how and when to test your blood sugar and how to use the results to manage your diabetes.
Use these tips to help with your self-care.
Discuss how your diabetes plan is working for you each time you visit your health care team.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Additional Materials (17)

Exercise, diabetes, and your mental health | Your Stories | Diabetes UK

Video by Diabetes UK/YouTube

Exercise and Diabetes | Living Healthy Chicago

Video by LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube

LIVE IT: Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes with Aerobic Exercise

Video by Loma Linda University Health/YouTube

This browser does not support the video element.

Managing Diabetes

The first step in managing type 2 diabetes is accepting the fact that you have diabetes. Diabetics need to take an active role in managing their condition. Regular doctor visits are a must to check on blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to monitor eye health. Dr. Michael Stein of Brown University talks about stabilizing kidney function. Blood sugar levels need to be monitored using self-testing kits. According to Dr. Osama Hamdy of the Joslin Diabetes Center, the best treatments for type 2 diabetes are diet and exercise, not medications. Cynthia Geyer of Canyon Ranch explains how exercise enables tissues to take up glucose independent of insulin receptors. Eating small sensible meals helps to keep blood sugar levels and weight under control. Losing 7% of body weight can increase insulin sensitivity by 50%--that's equivalent to two diabetes medications at maximum dose. Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch tells us the good news about diabetes: we have the ability to improve diabetes, and that isn't true of many conditions.

Video by TheVisualMD

Diabetes in children (9 of 9): Nutrition and Exercise

Video by Nicklaus Children's Hospital/YouTube

Mediterranean Diet for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Video by Healthy Foundry/YouTube

5 Diet Tips for Diabetes

Video by SingHealth/YouTube

NHS Diet Advice for Diabetes

Video by Diabetes.co.uk/YouTube

Your Diabetes Diet and Your Family (Conditions A-Z)

Video by Healthguru/YouTube

Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide

This guide can help you take charge of an important part of your health. You may want to read through the entire book first to learn about the benefits of exercise and physical activity, and to find out how to get started, reduce your risks, and reward your progress. Then, keep it handy so you can refer to the sample exercises and use some of the charts at the back of the book to record your activities. From time to time, you may need to check the tips for getting back on track if there’s a break in your routine or the tips for healthy eating. Throughout the guide, you’ll find personal stories that we hope will inspire you to be more active every day.

Document by National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families

Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families

Document by CDC

4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

4 Steps to Manage - Your Diabetes for Life

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025

Document by DietaryGuidelines.gov

Behavioral Programs To Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Research for Adults

This summary is for you if your health care professional has said you have type 2 diabetes. This summary will tell you what researchers have found about behavioral programs to help manage type 2 diabetes. It does not cover specific treatments for diabetes.

Document by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Behavioral Programs To Help Manage Type 1 Diabetes

This summary is for you if your health care professional has said you have (or your child has) type 1 diabetes. This summary will tell you what researchers have found about behavioral programs to help manage type 1 diabetes. It does not cover specific treatments for diabetes.

Document by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

A Fact Sheet From the Office on Women's Health Q+A Diabetes

A Fact Sheet From the Office on Women's Health Q+A Diabetes

Document by Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes Symptoms : One of the reasons type 2 diabetes is so dangerous is that it can progress for months or years without symptoms. As many as 6 million Americans may have undiagnosed diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. By the time symptoms emerge, a great deal of damage may already have been done. That's why it's important to be tested by a doctor if you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Image by TheVisualMD

1:32

Exercise, diabetes, and your mental health | Your Stories | Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK/YouTube

3:44

Exercise and Diabetes | Living Healthy Chicago

LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube

2:28

LIVE IT: Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes with Aerobic Exercise

Loma Linda University Health/YouTube

3:08

Managing Diabetes

TheVisualMD

4:53

Diabetes in children (9 of 9): Nutrition and Exercise

Nicklaus Children's Hospital/YouTube

1:47

Mediterranean Diet for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Healthy Foundry/YouTube

1:07

5 Diet Tips for Diabetes

SingHealth/YouTube

2:27

NHS Diet Advice for Diabetes

Diabetes.co.uk/YouTube

0:52

Your Diabetes Diet and Your Family (Conditions A-Z)

Healthguru/YouTube

Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families

CDC

4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025

DietaryGuidelines.gov

Behavioral Programs To Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Research for Adults

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Behavioral Programs To Help Manage Type 1 Diabetes

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

A Fact Sheet From the Office on Women's Health Q+A Diabetes

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Diabetes Symptoms

TheVisualMD

Step 4: Get Routine Care to Stay Healthy

Insulin and Glucose in Arteriole

Image by TheVisualMD

Managing Diabetes Step 4: Get Routine Care to Stay Healthy

See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.

At each visit, be sure you have a:

blood pressure check
foot check
weight check
review of your self-care plan

Two times each year, have an:

A1C test. It may be checked more often if it is over 7.

Once each year, be sure you have a:

cholesterol test
complete foot exam
dental exam to check teeth and gums
dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
flu shot
urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems

At least once in your lifetime, get a:

pneumonia (nu-mo-nya) shot
hepatitis B (HEP-uh-TY-tiss) shot

Medicare and diabetes.

If you have Medicare, check to see how your plan covers diabetes care. Medicare covers some of the costs for:

diabetes education
diabetes supplies
diabetes medicine
visits with a dietitian
special shoes, if you need them

Actions you can take

Ask your health care team about these and other tests you may need. Ask what your results mean.
Write down the date and time of your next visit.
Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your diabetes care.
If you have Medicare, check your plan.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Additional Materials (12)

Taking charge: What women need to know when they visit their doctor

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Getting Ready for Your Diabetes Care Visit

Video by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Manage Diabetes

Along with lifestyle changes, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Blood Pressure Reading: Photo Copyright 2006, Lemuel Cantos

Image by TheVisualMD

Benefits of Exercise

Whether you are starting a new fitness program, or fine-tuning your current workouts, thoughtful planning will help you get more benefits from exercise. You need to make sure that you are getting aerobic exercise, which uses large amounts of oxygen as you work—jogging, brisk walking, swimming and bicycling are aerobic exercise. You also need anaerobic exercise, muscle-building work which is performed in shorter, intense bursts of activity and draws on your body's glucose and fats for energy—weight-lifting and sprinting are good ones. Adding stretching activity to your workouts, such as yoga or Pilates, increases your range of motion and can work additional muscle groups that might otherwise be neglected. It is important to choose sports and activities that you really like, so you will have enough variety and engagement to stay interested and enthusiastic about exercising.

Image by TheVisualMD

Adipose tissue

Our Fat Helps Keep us Fat : Body fat is not dead weight. Adipose tissue secretes hormones, including leptin, an appetite-control hormone, and adiponectin, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on blood vessels. When we are overweight, our fat tissue lowers blood levels of adiponectin, which increases the risk of heart disease and decreases glucose sensitivity.

Image by TheVisualMD

Sweetness is Our Weakness

Sugar prompts the release of dopamine in the brain, and the resulting feelings of well-being are undeniable. The withdrawal of sugar from the diet has been shown in studies to trigger a chain of events very similar to that of opiate-drug withdrawal. However, over time, many people have become accustomed to eating very low sugar diets. Usually, their health improves, too.

Image by TheVisualMD

Food Into Fuel: The Multi-tasking Pancreas

Image by TheVisualMD

Lose Weight

When it comes to carrying extra fat, a little goes a long way. Being as little as 5% over your ideal weight is associated with a shorter life expectancy. A 50-year-old man who is 50 pounds overweight has half the remaining life expectancy as a man with normal body weight. Excess poundage can make existing health problems worse, causing symptoms of disorders to appear earlier or making them more severe than they would be otherwise.

Image by TheVisualMD

Measuring Fat

It's not just the amount of weight that a person carries that matters, it's also where they carry it. "Apples," people who carry their fat in the abdomen, are more likely to have diabetes and heart disease than "pears," people who deposit weight on the hips and thighs. Waist measurement is a better indicator of risk than body mass index. Waists larger than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women are in the danger zone. Abdominal fat is thought to be dangerous because it is deposited as visceral fat, fat deep inside the abdomen, as well as subcutaneous (under the skin) fat. Inside the body it wraps around the vital organs of the abdomen. The toxic chemicals that visceral fat secretes go straight to the liver and may interfere with its functions, including helping to regulate glucose and cholesterol.

Image by TheVisualMD

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Talking to Your Patients About Lifestyle Change

Image by CDC

National Diabetes Prevention Program: Working Together to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Image by CDC

Prediabetes: Could It Be You?

Image by CDC

1:06

Taking charge: What women need to know when they visit their doctor

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

2:35

Getting Ready for Your Diabetes Care Visit

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/YouTube

Manage Diabetes

TheVisualMD

Benefits of Exercise

TheVisualMD

Adipose tissue

TheVisualMD

Sweetness is Our Weakness

TheVisualMD

Food Into Fuel: The Multi-tasking Pancreas

TheVisualMD

Lose Weight

TheVisualMD

Measuring Fat

TheVisualMD

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Talking to Your Patients About Lifestyle Change

CDC

National Diabetes Prevention Program: Working Together to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

CDC

Prediabetes: Could It Be You?

CDC

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