{"id":1264,"date":"2025-11-03T16:16:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T21:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=1264"},"modified":"2025-11-18T13:10:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T18:10:44","slug":"prevent-diabetes-health-complications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/healthier-living\/prevent-diabetes-health-complications\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevent diabetes health complications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the U.S., one in 10 people have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes1<\/sup>. Whether you know someone who has diabetes or you have it yourself, it\u2019s worth a minute to get to know this chronic disease better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 ways to take charge of diabetes2<\/sup><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Left untreated, diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. But by taking charge, people with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Manage A1C<\/strong>
    A1C measures average blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels. Below 7% is the goal for many people with diabetes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Manage blood pressure<\/strong>
    The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140\/90.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Get annual dilated eye exam<\/strong>
    Help avoid diabetic eye disease by having a comprehensive eye exam with dilation every year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Get annual kidney evaluation<\/strong>
    Monitor kidney health annually with an eGFR to test kidney function and a uACR to assess kidney damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Regulate cholesterol and triglycerides<\/strong>
    Statin therapy helps regulate LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to help prevent risk of cardiovascular disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Eat healthy<\/strong>
    Healthy eating helps manage blood sugar. The Diabetes Plate<\/a> is a good rule of thumb to follow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Stay active<\/strong>
    Physical activity makes your cells more sensitive to insulin so it works better to lower blood sugar<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Get personalized help with diabetes management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Our Care Team is here to support your diabetes journey with one-on-one messaging to talk through your biggest questions, tools to track your diabetes management, and plenty of useful resources. Connect with them on the Blue KC Care Management app.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Download the Blue KC Care Management app:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Visit Apple Store<\/a> or Google Play<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Register with access code KCBLUEWELCOME<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Click Chat <\/strong>at the bottom of the screen to connect with the Care Team<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      1<\/sup>CDC.gov<\/a>
      2<\/sup>      American Diabetes Association<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\r\n\t\t\t

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