Nutrition Education for Wellness Department of Family & Consumer Sciences University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences Nutrition Education for Wellness Home Page
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Diabetes Awareness, Education, and Screening Project
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The A1c Test

What is the A1c test?
The A1c test measures how much sugar is in your red blood cells. The higher your blood sugar levels have been in the last 6-8 weeks, the higher your A1c number will be.

How often should my A1c be checked?
Every 3-4 months.

What does the test result mean?
A general target is 7.0 or less, but your goal might be lower or higher. It depends on your age, type of diabetes, and any other problems you might have.

What kind of action can I take?
To lower your A1c number, you can do several things:

  • Be more active
  • Work out a meal plan that suits you — and use it well!
  • Check your blood sugar often and use the results to adjust your diabetes care.
  • Change your diabetes medicines

 

[back to top] The Blood Pressure Test

High blood pressure causes a lot of damage in your body. It greatly increases your risk for stroke, heart attacks, and kidney disease.

What is the blood pressure test?
Blood pressure cuff used on your upper arm will indicate the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels.

How often should my blood pressure be checked?
At least once a year.

What does the test result mean?
Your target is to have your blood pressure no higher than 130 / 80.

What kind of action can I take?
High blood pressure can be treated. You can do many things to lower your blood pressure:

  • Be more active
  • If you weigh too much, try to lose some pounds
  • If you smoke, now is the time to stop
  • Medicines can help to lower your blood pressure

 

[back to top] The Microalbumin Test

What is the Microalbumin test?
A urine test measures the amount of a protein called albumin in your urine, and tells you if your kidneys are doing their job.

How often should my microalbumin be checked?
At least once a year.

What does the test result mean?
The target number is 30 or lower. If your number is high, you need prompt treatment.

What kind of action can I take?
You can do several things to slow or stop kidney problems, especially if you catch the problems early enough:

  • Keep your A1c and blood sugar levels in your target range
  • Keep your blood pressure close to normal (130 / 80 or less)
  • Talk to your doctor about medicines that can keep your microalbumin level from rising.

 

[back to top] The LDL Cholesterol Test

LDL in your blood sticks to the walls of the arteries, clogging them up and keeping blood from flowing freely. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other problems with blood flow.

What is the LDL cholesterol test?
It is a blood test that checks your LDL levels.

How often should my LDL cholesterol be checked?
At least once a year.

What does the test result mean?
Your target is to have your LDL cholesterol number at 100 or lower.

What kind of action can I take?
Do several things to lower your LDL cholesterol:

  • Be more active
  • Eat less saturated fat (meat and dairy products)
  • Keep your blood pressure close to normal
  • If you smoke, stop
  • If you weigh too much, try to lose some pounds
  • Ask your doctor about the new statin medicines

 

[back to top] The Eye Exam

What happens during an eye exam?
An eye exam requires special equipment, and an ophthalmologist or another professional who specializes in eyes to examine your eyes, looking for any early changes or signs of diabetic eye disease.

How often should I have an eye exam?
At least once a year.

What does the test result mean?
If your doctor finds early signs of eye disease, make sure you understand what it means. Your eyes may need treatment.

What kind of action can I take?
Do several things to prevent, slow or stop diabetic eye disease, especially if you catch the problems early:

  • Keep your A1c and blood sugar levels in your target range.
  • If you smoke, stop
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