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Why is it important to control blood sugar if you have diabetes?

Diabetes increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

How should doctors help control blood sugar?

Doctors should regularly order the “A1c” blood test for you. The A1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. As a Medicare member, to have good control, your A1c level should be less than 9 percent.

Doctors should work with you to help control the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. The doctor can help you in many ways. They can help you to better plan your meals and to stay physically active. Your doctor may also teach you how to check your blood sugar at home using a small meter. And when needed, the doctor can also order medicine that lowers the level of blood sugar.

Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out about what other services are available. Many health plans offer additional support and resources for patients with diabetes. These additional services may be educational materials (online and in print), classes or support groups, such as home blood sugar testing or phone counseling.