There are plenty of ways to lower your risk, and you may already be doing some of them. To find out if you’re doing enough, know the results of the three tests that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) calls “the ABCs of diabetes.”
- A for A1C. The AIC test shows your average blood sugar level for the past two or three months. High blood sugar harms your heart, blood vessels and other organs. The ADA recommends a target AIC level below 7.
- B for blood pressure. Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Having high blood pressure makes your heart work harder and damages your blood vessels. Aim for a blood pressure below 130/80.
- C for cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Pay special attention to LDL, the bad cholesterol that can clog your arteries. Keep your LDL below 100.
Meeting these target numbers can help you avoid heart disease. If you don’t already know your ABC numbers, visit or ask your doctor.
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