November is Diabetes Month

Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as heart attack or stroke.  Proper management of diabetes may be achieved by following the K.N.O.W. tips.

Keep active and maintain a healthy body weight.
A healthy body weight can reduce the risk for high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are common risk factors for CVD, the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.

Normalize your critical health numbers.
Learn to carefully monitor and keep track of your critical health numbers (blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol) to better manage the disease.

Opt for a healthy lifestyle.
Opt to make healthy, balanced food choices.  Also, avoid smoking — people who have type 2 diabetes and smoke are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than nonsmokers.

Work with a healthcare provider.
Speak openly and honestly with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will help you better manage your type 2 diabetes.

For more tips on how to better manage type 2 diabetes, enroll in The Heart of Diabetes program at www.iknowdiabetes.org and receive a free cookbook filled with diabetes friendly recipes, compliments of the American Heart Association.

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