If you have diabetes, it means your blood glucose (blood sugar) level is too high. By eating healthy and staying active, you can keep your diabetes in check and help avoid health problems like heart attack and stroke.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the ABCs of the disease:

A is for A1C
The A1C test, which checks your average blood glucose level for the past two to three months, does not take the place of daily self-testing. The A1C test will help your doctor see if the steps you are taking to treat the disease are working. The A1C goal for most people with diabetes is below a 7. If your A1C level is above a 7, your doctor will work with you to get you where you need to be.

B is for blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 130/80. If your blood pressure is above that, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to lower it.

C is for cholesterol
Your doctor will use a blood test to measure the two types of cholesterol - low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. Your LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL, and your HDL should be above 60 mg/dL. Your doctor will talk with you about your blood test results and the steps you can take if your cholesterol is not where it should be.

Fidelis Care has a special program for members with diabetes called DiabetesCare. The program gives you the information and tools you need to help control your diabetes. If you are a high-risk diabetic, DiabetesCare will put you in touch with a Nurse Case Manager who will create a care program for you. For information about DiabetesCare, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547).