People with diabetes are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), also known as heart disease, than people without diabetes. It’s been estimated that at least 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke. It is very important for people with diabetes to control the “ABC’s of Diabetes” and to quit smoking to protect the heart.

What are the ABCs?
    A is for A1C, a blood test that lets you know how well you’ve been controlling your blood sugar.
    B is for blood pressure. Keep your blood pressure below 130/80.
    C is for cholesterol . Keep your bad cholesterol (LDL) under 100 mg/dl.

     Visit these sites for information:
         American Heart Association – What is High Blood Pressure?
         National Diabetes Education Program – ABC's of Diabetes
         National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute – High Blood Pressure

Smoking
It is also very important to quit smoking to reduce the risk for heart disease!! While the best-known effect of smoking is that it causes cancer, smoking can also lead to or worsen many problems that people with diabetes already face, such as heart and blood vessel disease.

New York State has a free stop smoking kit to help you quit. For more information visit the NYS Smokers’ Quitline www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NYQUITS (697-8487).

     Visit these sites to learn more about the relationship between smoking,
     heart disease and the associated problems for people with diabetes.
     These sites also contain tips for quitting:
         American Diabetes Association – Smoking
         American Cancer Society – Tobacco & Cancer
         American Heart Association – Smoking & Cardiovascular Disease
         Medline Plus – Tips for Quitting

Click on one of the NYDC icons to learn more
about preventing the complications of diabetes.