It is estimated that 87,232 Mainers have diabetes and an additional 32,264 have it but do not know they have it. If left undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, amputation, or death.
November is National Diabetes Month. This year's theme highlights the critical link between diabetes and heart disease. Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for a heart attack or die of heart disease and are 1.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for a stroke than adults without diabetes.
Control the ABCS of Diabetes:
For more information, Maine DPCP recommends:
Control the ABCS of Diabetes:
- A1c Blood Glucose Level
- An A1c test shows what your blood glucose (blood sugar) level has been for the last 3 months
- High blood glucose levels can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and feet
- Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard
- It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease
- Cholesterol
- Bad cholesterol (LDL) can build up and clog your blood vessels
- Can cause a heart attack or stroke
- Smoking
- Stop smoking
- Call the Maine Tobacco Helpline: 1-800-207-1230
- Eat well
- Be active
- Learn how to cope with stress
- Take your medicine
- Stop smoking
- Attend Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT). Ask your doctor or visit the Maine Diabetes Prevention and Control Program website to find a DSMT in your area
For more information, Maine DPCP recommends:
