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 I use the information obtained from Complete Nurse's Guide to Diabetes Care to assist my patients in obtaining their DM goals. I use this ABC report card to help them keep track of their progress and to reinforce some principles of DM control. I would like to share this with other nurses and people with diabetes. -Naomi Dunn RN, BSN

ABC's of Diabetic Management/Report Card  

A is for A1C. This is a blood test that is drawn to evaluate your glucose control over the last 3 months. Any lowering of A1C and blood glucose level decreases the risk of developing microvascular complications.

The current goal recommended by American Diabetes Association is less than 7% and you should be tested every approximately every 3 months.    

Your last A1c result: _________  

A is also for albuminuria. This means that there is a protein in the urine. A urine test for this can detect kidney disease early when it can be treated.

Suggested target: Below 30 Your last result: __________

How often: At least once a year.  

Finally A is for Aspirin. Taking low-dose aspirin every day can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Check with your doctor before starting daily aspirin.  

B is for blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard and can cause damage to your kidneys and eyes. Suggested target: Below 130/80 Your last reading: ________  

C is for cholesterol. Bad cholesterol, or LDL, builds up and clogs your arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Suggested target: 100    

Your last LDL: _______________  

Good cholesterol, or HDL,

Suggested target: Above (40) in men and above (50) in women    

Your last HDL: ________________  

Triglyceride levels also determine cardiac risks.

Suggested target: 150    

Your last Triglyceride level: ______________

How often for lipid (cholesterol) profile: At least once a year.  

D is for diabetes education. Help your doctor help you. The more you know about how food, exercise and medicines affect your diabetes control, the better you and your doctor can work together to make any needed changes.

Suggested resources: www.diabetes.org

Local hospitals and County Extention offices offer free courses.  

E is exercise and weight control. There are positive benefits for even minimal weight loss and gradual increase in planned activity. Reduce saturated fat, increase dietary fiber and control calories (portion size). Losing as little as 10 lb and being active can improve blood sugar level, lower risk of death and improve insulin sensitivity. Start slow with activity (walking) then increase to 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. Before starting an exercise program check with your physician for activity restrictions.  

Body Mass Index 18.5-24.9 (Normal range) Your BMI: 

E is also for eye exam. Regular eye exams can catch diabetic eye disease early enough to prevent eye damage. A diabetic eye screening clinic is available every 2 years with appointments scheduled yearly for patients using insulin for diabetic control. 

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