Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital

1. The Goal: The ABCs of Diabetes

Keep these numbers in check to prevent complications.

• A – A1C (Blood Sugar Average): Aim for less than 7% (or as your doctor advises).
• B – Blood Pressure: Aim for below 130/80 mmHg.
• C – Cholesterol: Control it to protect your heart.
• S – Stop Smoking: It significantly lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Healthy Eating: The “Plate Method”

You don’t need to count every calorie. Just visualize your plate (9-inch plate):

• 1/2 Non-starchy Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, salad.
• 1/4 Lean Protein: Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs.
• 1/4 Carbohydrates: Brown rice, whole grain bread, potatoes, fruit.
• Drink: Water or unsweetened tea instead of sugary soda or juice.

3. Stay Active

• Aim for: 30 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking), 5 days a week.
• Tip: If 30 minutes is too hard, break it into three 10-minute sessions.

4. Daily Routine Checklist

• Take Medication: Take pills or insulin exactly as prescribed.
• Check Blood Sugar: Monitor according to your doctor’s schedule.
• Check Your Feet: Look for cuts, blisters, or red spots daily. Use a mirror if needed.

5. Watch Out: Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

If you feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or hungry, check your blood sugar. If it is below 70 mg/dL:

1. Eat 15g of sugar: (e.g., 4 oz juice, 1 tablespoon sugar/honey, or 3-4 glucose tablets).
2. Wait 15 minutes.
3. Check again. If still low, repeat.

6. When to Call the Doctor

• Your blood sugar stays higher than 300 mg/dL.
• You have a cut or sore on your foot that won’t heal.
• You feel constantly thirsty, tired, or use the bathroom very often.

Your vision becomes blurry.