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A1c

A1c tells how well your diabetes has been controlled. Even though you may have some high or low blood sugar values, an A1c will give you a picture of your average blood sugar over the last 3 months. The result can help you, your doctor and pharmacist know if any changes are needed in the way you take care of your diabetes. An A1c result is a number that can be converted to an average blood glucose value.

The American Diabetes Association recommends checking your A1c every 3 months if above 7% and every 6 months if it is 7% or less. You should also check your A1c every 3 months if you are making changes in medicine or other ways to control your diabetes.

What should my A1c be?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that most people should have an A1c goal of less than 7%. Your doctor may have a different goal for you. Your age, length of time having diabetes, and other medical conditions can affect your goal. Always follow the goal your doctor has set for you.

Diabetes and Other Conditions

When your diabetes is not controlled, you may have more difficulty with:

• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Blood vessel problems
• High cholesterol
• Eye conditions
• Digestive concerns
• Feet conditions
• Infections
• Kidney problems

You may be able to stop or slow

Anemia

What is anemia?
Anemia is a common condition of the blood that occurs when your body does not produce enough red blood cells or lower than normal hemoglobin level. Red blood cells contain a substance called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your body's cells. Without enough oxygen, your body and organs do not work as effectively.

What are common symptoms of anemia?
Anemia typically goes undetected in most people due to the vague symptoms. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, weakness, body aches, dizziness, feeling cold all the time, difficulty sleeping, sadness, decreased appetite and poor concentration. Because anemia is often confused with symptoms of other diseases it is very important to be tested to prevent the serious affects of anemia, including heart failure, nerve damage or even death.

What is a normal hemoglobin level?
The normal hemoglobin ranges for men is 14-18 g/dL and women is 12-16 g/dL. The definition of "normal" varies from person to person, so only your doctor can determine the level at which treatment would be appropriate.

Blood Pressure

Why is it important to check my blood pressure?
It is important to make sure your blood pressure is at goal to prevent complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and heart failure.

How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure may be checked with the use of an automatic blood pressure monitor or a manual blood pressure device. With either method, it is important that you sit with both feet flat on the floor and with your arm at heart level to ensure an accurate reading. Ideally you should avoid caffeine and tobacco for 30 minutes prior to having your blood pressure taken.

The pharmacy has an automatic blood pressure machine where you can get your reading checked. A cuff on your arm will fill with air to create pressure on your upper arm. The pressure will then slowly be released to allow your blood pressure to be read.

What do my blood pressure results mean?
A blood pressure measurement has two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the top number and diastolic pressure is the bottom number. Systolic pressure is the pressure measured when the heart is pumping. Diastolic pressure is the pressure measured when the heart is at rest.

What is a normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is 120/80. However, blood pressure goals may vary based on other conditions you may have. Most people should have a blood pressure reading less than 140/90. For people with diabetes or

Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a normal part of your blood and cells. You get cholesterol in two ways. Your body makes some of it, and the rest comes from the foods that you eat.

Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body. When cholesterol levels get too high it is a major risk for heart disease and stroke.

What does this screening test measure?

Full Lipid Panel
This test looks at your total cholesterol as well as a breakdown of the different types of good and bad cholesterol.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL is also known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection and it helps to carry cholesterol away from your arteries.

Triglycerides (TG)
TG is a form of fat. People with diabetes, heart disease, or who are overweight often have high triglycerides.

What are healthy levels of cholesterol?

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dl
• LDL: Less than 100 mg/dl

Your LDL goal should be discussed with your doctor and can vary depending on other personal risk factors or medical conditions you may have.

• HDL: Greater than 40 mg/dl

  In general, a higher HDL is better. You HDL Goal may be higher if you are female.

• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dl

How can I lower my cholesterol?
If your screening results are high, you should see your doctor. Eating food low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help to lower your cholesterol and keep it at goal. It is also important to be physically active as long as your doctor approves.

What about cholesterol medicine?
For some, changing the foods you eat is not enough. Your doctor can help you find the cholesterol lowering medication that is right for you. Your Osco/Savon pharmacist is also here to answer any of your questions.

Blood Glucose

What is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the amount of glucose in the blood. When certain foods are eaten the body breaks down the food and makes glucose. Your body uses glucose for energy. Everyone has some glucose in the blood. In diabetes, more than the normal amount of glucose stays in the blood. Measuring blood glucose levels can help in knowing if you have diabetes.

People with diabetes may check their blood glucose many times per day to make sure they are controlled.

What is normal Blood Glucose?
Normal glucose readings depend on if you have eaten before the test and if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes by your doctor or not.

For people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that everyone 45 and older be screened for diabetes at least every three years. People who are considered high risk should be screened even earlier. Only your doctor can diagnose diabetes. See your doctor immediately if:

• If you have symptoms of diabetes and your blood sugar is greater than 200 mg/dl
• If your fasting blood sugar is greater than 126 mg/dl
  Fasting means that you have had nothing to eat or drink except water in the last 8 hours

For people who have diabetes

If you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar often at home and work. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to know the best times to check. Write down your values and work to keep your blood sugar in the goal range.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following goals:

• Fasting: 90-130 mg/dl
• Non-Fasting: <180

Facts About Diabetes (from the American Diabetes Association)

• About 20.8 million people, or 7% of the population, have diabetes
• 6.2 million people are unaware that they have diabetes
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults age 20-74
• Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States

Symptoms of Diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor.