Prevent diabetes problems

Keep your diabetes 

under control

Number

1

in a

Series 

of 7

National Diabetes Information 

Clearinghouse

Prevent diabetes problems:

Keep your diabetes

under control 

Contents

What are diabetes problems?................................. 1

Who can help me with my diabetes care?............. 3

What should my blood glucose numbers be? ....... 4

How can I check my blood glucose numbers?...... 6

What should I do if my blood glucose 

numbers are too high or too low? ......................... 8

What is the A1C test? ......................................... 12

What should my blood pressure be? ................... 15

What should my cholesterol and 

triglycerides be?..................................................... 17

Eating, Diet, and Nutrition .................................. 20

Will I need to take diabetes medicines? ............. 21

What does smoking have to do with 

diabetes problems? ............................................... 22

What steps can I take to prevent diabetes 

problems? .............................................................. 23

What should I discuss with my health care 

team at each checkup? ......................................... 26

What tests, exams, and vaccines do I need 

if I have diabetes? ................................................. 28

How to Use the Daily Diabetes Record ............. 30

My Health Care Team Members......................... 34
Pronunciation Guide ............................................ 35

For More Information .......................................... 36

More in the Series................................................. 37

Acknowledgments................................................. 39
1

What are diabetes problems?

Diabetes problems are health problems that can 

happen when you have diabetes. If your diabetes 

is not under control, you will have too much 

glucose,* also called sugar, in your blood. Having 

too much glucose in your blood for a long time can 

affect many important parts of your body, such as 

your

● blood vessels and heart

● nerves

● kidneys

● mouth

● eyes

● feet

You can do a lot to prevent or slow down these 

health problems if you keep your diabetes under 

control. 

*See the Pronunciation Guide for tips on how to 

say the words in bold type.
2

This chart shows the body parts that can be affected 

by diabetes and the resulting health problems you 

may have.

Affected 

Body Part

Resulting Health Problems 

You May Have

Blood vessels 

and heart

• Heart disease

• Heart attack 

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Poor blood circulation, or flow, 

throughout your body

Nerves

• Pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness 

in your hands, arms, feet, or legs

• Problems with your bladder, digestion, 

having sex, and keeping your heartbeats 

and blood pressure steady

Kidneys

• Protein loss through your urine

• Buildup of wastes and fluid in your 

blood

Mouth

• Gum disease and loss of teeth

• Dry mouth

• Thrush, or the growth of too much 

fungus in the mouth

Eyes • Loss of vision and blindness

Feet

• Sores

• Infections

• Amputation
3

Who can help me with my diabetes 

care?

Taking care of diabetes is a group effort among 

you, your family, and your health care team. A 

diabetes health care team may include these health 

care providers:

● a doctor

● an endocrinologist—a doctor with special 

training in diabetes

● diabetes educators, such as a nurse and dietitian

● a counselor

● a pharmacist 

● a dentist

● an eye doctor

● a foot doctor

You are the most important member of the team.
4

What should my blood glucose 

numbers be?

Your blood glucose numbers should meet the 

targets in this chart unless your doctor helps you 

set different targets. Targets are numbers you 

aim for. The chart shows the target blood glucose 

numbers—measured in milligrams per deciliter 

(mg/dL)—for most people with diabetes.

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL) 

for Most People with Diabetes

Time of Day Targets

Before meals and when 

you wake up

70 to 130

1 to 2 hours after eating 180 or below

This chart shows target blood glucose numbers for 

women with diabetes who become pregnant.

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL) for 

Women with Diabetes Who Become Pregnant

Time of Day Targets

Before meals and when 

you wake up

60 to 99

1 to 2 hours after eating 129 or below
5

This chart shows target blood glucose numbers for 

women who develop diabetes during pregnancy, 

called gestational diabetes. 

Target Blood Glucose Numbers (mg/dL)

for Women with Gestational Diabetes

Time of Day Targets

Before meals and when 

you wake up

95 or below

1 hour after eating 140 or below

2 hours after eating 120 or below
6

How can I check my blood glucose 

numbers?

You can check your blood glucose numbers at 

home using a blood glucose meter. Your health 

care team can teach you how to 

● prick your finger to get a drop of blood for 

testing

● use your meter to find out the glucose level in 

the drop of blood
7

The results of your blood glucose checks can help 

you make decisions about your diabetes medicines, 

daily meals and snacks, and physical activity. 

Ask your health care team when and how often 

you need to check your blood glucose. Self-tests 

are usually done before meals, after meals, and at 

bedtime.

Your blood glucose test results will help you and 

your health care team make a plan for keeping 

your blood glucose under control.

Keep track of your blood glucose test results by 

using a record page. 

● Make copies of the record page at the end of 

this booklet or ask your health care team for 

a blood glucose record book. 

● Always bring your record book to your 

checkups so you can talk with your health 

care team about reaching your target blood 

glucose levels.

Or you may be able to 

use an electronic blood 

glucose tracking system 

on the Internet or on your 

cell phone. 
8

What should I do if my blood glucose 

numbers are too high or too low? 

If your blood glucose numbers are often higher or 

lower than your targets, tell your health care team. 

You may need to make changes in how you take 

care of your diabetes.

High blood glucose, called hyperglycemia, can 

make you

● thirsty

● weak or tired 

● have headaches

● urinate more often

● have trouble paying attention

● have blurred vision

● have yeast infections 

Talk with your health care team if you notice any 

of these symptoms. Ask what you should do when 

your blood glucose is too high. 
9

Low blood glucose, called hypoglycemia, can 

make you

● hungry

● dizzy or shaky

● confused

● pale

● sweat more

● weak

● anxious or cranky

● have headaches

● have a fast heartbeat

Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to pass out. 

If that happens, you’ll need help bringing your 

blood glucose level back to normal. Your health 

care team can teach your family members and 

friends how to give you an injection of glucagon,

a medicine that raises blood glucose levels 

quickly. If glucagon is not available, someone 

should call 911 to get you to the nearest 

emergency room for treatment.
10

If you have any of these symptoms, check your 

blood glucose. If your number is too low, have one 

of these quick sources of glucose:

● three or four glucose tablets 

● one serving of glucose gel—the amount equal to 

15 grams of carbohydrates 

● 1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of any fruit juice 

● 1/2 cup, or 4 ounces, of a regular—not diet—

soft drink 

● 1 cup, or 8 ounces, of milk 

● five or six pieces of hard candy 

● 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey 
11

Check your blood glucose again in 15 minutes to 

make sure it is at your pre-meal target number. If 

your number is still too low, have another serving 

of a quick glucose food or drink. Repeat these 

steps until your blood glucose is at your pre-meal 

target number or higher. 

After you feel better and your blood glucose 

returns to your target number, eat your regular 

meals and snacks as planned. 
12

What is the A1C test? 

The A1C test, also called the hemoglobin A1C test, 

HbA1C, or glycohemoglobin test, is a blood test 

that reflects the average level of glucose in your 

blood during the past 3 months. Your A1C test 

result is given in percents. Your doctor might use 

the A1C test to help diagnose your diabetes. Your 

doctor will draw a sample of your blood in the 

office or send you to a lab to have a sample of your 

blood drawn for the test. After being diagnosed 

with diabetes, you should have the A1C test at least 

twice a year.

Your A1C result plus your record of blood glucose 

numbers show whether your blood glucose is under 

control. 

● If your A1C result is too high, you may need to 

change your diabetes care plan. Your health 

care team can help you decide what part of your 

plan to change. For instance, you might need to 

change your meal plan, your diabetes medicines, 

or your physical activity plan.

● If your A1C result is on target, then your 

diabetes treatment plan is working. The lower 

your A1C is, the lower your chance of having 

diabetes problems.
13

This chart shows the A1C goals for different types 

of people with diabetes.

Types of People A1C Goals

Most people with diabetes below 7%

Women with diabetes who 

want to get pregnant or 

who are pregnant

below 6%

A1C goals can also depend on

● how long you have had diabetes 

● whether or not you have other health problems

Ask your doctor what goal is right for you. 
14

This chart shows how your A1C result may match 

up to your average blood glucose number. 

What Your A1C Result Means

My A1C Result My Average Blood

Glucose Number

6% 135

7% 170

8% 205

9% 240

10% 275

11% 310

12% 345
15

What should my blood pressure be?

Your blood pressure should be below 140/80 unless 

your doctor helps you set a different goal. 

Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside 

your blood vessels. Blood pressure is written with 

two numbers separated by a slash and is said as 

“140 over 80.” The top number is the pressure as 

your heart beats and pushes blood through your 

blood vessels. The bottom number is the pressure 

as your blood vessels relax between heartbeats.

High blood pressure forces your heart to work 

harder to pump blood. High blood pressure 

can strain your heart, damage blood vessels, and 

increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, eye 

problems, and kidney problems.
16

Many people with diabetes also have high blood 

pressure. But keeping your blood pressure at your 

goal will help prevent damage to your heart, blood 

vessels, and other parts of your body. Healthy 

meal planning, medicines, and physical activity can 

help you reach your blood pressure goal.

Have your blood pressure checked at every 

medical visit. Ask your doctor whether you 

need medicine to control your blood pressure.
17

What should my cholesterol and 

triglycerides be?

Your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers should 

meet the targets in this chart unless your doctor 

helps you set different targets. 

Target Blood Cholesterol Numbers

for People with Diabetes

Total cholesterol below 200

LDL, or bad, cholesterol below 100 or below 70 if 

you have cardiovascular 

disease or other health 

problems

HDL, or good, cholesterol above 40 in men and 

above 50 in women

Triglycerides below 150

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your

body’s cells, in blood, and in many foods. High 

cholesterol can lead to heart and blood vessel 

disease, also called cardiovascular disease. 

Cardiovascular disease is the biggest health 

problem for people with diabetes.
18

LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known as 

the bad cholesterol because it builds up in the 

artery walls that supply blood to your heart. Extra 

cholesterol in your blood can build up in artery 

walls if

● you often eat foods that are high in LDL 

cholesterol

● high cholesterol runs in your family

HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol, or good 

cholesterol, carries cholesterol from other parts of 

your body back to your liver, which removes the 

cholesterol from your body.

Triglycerides. Triglycerides are another form of 

fat found in your blood and in food. Although 

triglycerides do not build up in artery walls, they 

can be a sign that your risk for cardiovascular 

disease is high.

Total cholesterol. Your total cholesterol number 

reflects all the cholesterol in the blood, but is 

mostly due to the amount of your LDL cholesterol.
19

Meeting your target numbers for cholesterol 

levels will help prevent heart disease, stroke, and 

damage to your blood vessels. Keeping cholesterol 

levels under control can also help with blood flow. 

Healthy meal planning, medicines, and physical 

activity can help you reach your target blood 

cholesterol numbers.

Have your cholesterol checked at least once a 

year. Your doctor will send you to a lab to have 

a small sample of your blood drawn for the 

cholesterol test. Ask your doctor whether you 

need medicine called a statin to control your 

cholesterol.
20

Eating, Diet, and Nutrition

Following a healthy eating plan is a key step 

in living with diabetes and preventing diabetes 

problems. Your health care team will help you 

make a healthy eating plan. 

Read more in What I need to know about Eating 

and Diabetes at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov or call 

1–800–860–8747.
21

Will I need to take diabetes 

medicines?

If you cannot reach your target blood glucose levels 

with a healthy eating plan and physical activity, 

you may need diabetes medicines. The kind of 

medicines you’ll take will depend on your type 

of diabetes, your schedule, and your other health 

problems. Diabetes medicines help keep your 

blood glucose in the target range. 

Your doctor will prescribe any medicines you need, 

including insulin. Insulin helps your blood glucose 

levels stay on target by moving glucose from your 

blood to your body’s cells. You will need to take 

insulin if your body no longer makes enough. 

Be sure to take your medicines as directed by your 

doctor.
22

What does smoking have to do with 

diabetes problems?

Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous mix. 

Smoking raises your risk for many diabetes 

problems. If you quit smoking, 

● you will lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, 

nerve disease, kidney disease, and amputation

● your cholesterol and blood pressure levels might 

improve 

● your blood circulation will improve 

If you smoke, stop smoking. Ask for help so that 

you don’t have to do it alone. You can start by 

calling 1–800–QUITNOW or 1–800–784–8669. 
23

What steps can I take to prevent 

diabetes problems? 

You can take steps each day to prevent diabetes 

problems.

Steps

Healthy Eating

• Follow the healthy eating plan that you and 

your doctor or dietitian have made. 

• Learn what to eat to keep your blood 

glucose levels under control.

• Make wise food choices to help you feel 

good every day and to lose weight if needed.

Blood Glucose

mg/dL

M C

• Check your blood glucose every day. 

• Each time you check your blood glucose, 

write the number in a record book to share 

with your health care team.

• Treat low blood glucose quickly.

(continued)
24

Steps

Physical Activity

• Even small amounts of physical activity help 

manage diabetes. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes 

of physical activity most days of the week. 

Children and adolescents with type 2 

diabetes who are 10 to 17 years old should 

aim for 60 minutes of activity every day.

• Not all physical activity has to take place at 

the same time.

• Do aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, 

which use your large muscles to make your 

heart beat faster. The large muscles are 

those of the upper and lower arms and legs 

and those that control head, shoulder, and 

hip movements. 

• Do activities to strengthen muscles and 

bone, such as lifting weights or sit-ups. 

Aim for two times a week. 

• Stretch to increase your flexibility, lower 

stress, and help prevent muscle soreness 

after physical activity.

• Increase daily activity by decreasing time 

spent watching TV or at the computer. 

Children and adolescents should limit 

screen time not related to school to less 

than 2 hours per day. Limiting screen time 

can help you meet your physical activity 

goal.

• Always talk with your doctor before you 

start a new physical activity program.

(continued)
25

Steps

Medicines

• Take your medicines as directed, including 

insulin if ordered by your doctor. 

Feet

• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, 

sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.

Mouth

• Brush and floss your teeth every day.

Blood Pressure

• Control your blood pressure and 

cholesterol.

Smoking

• Don’t smoke.
26

What should I discuss with my health 

care team at each checkup? 

This chart lists important things that you should 

discuss with your health care team at each checkup. 

Things to 

Discuss with 

Your Health 

Care Team at 

Each Checkup

Make Sure to...

Blood glucose 

records and how 

you check your 

blood glucose

• Share your blood glucose records. 

Your health care team will ask to see 

how you are checking your blood 

glucose to make sure you are doing 

it right. 

• Mention if you often have low or 

high blood glucose.

Weight

• Talk about how much you should 

weigh.

• Talk about ways to reach your weight 

goal that will work for you.

Blood pressure • Talk about your blood pressure 

numbers.

Cholesterol • Talk about your cholesterol 

numbers.

(continued)
27

Things to 

Discuss with 

Your Health 

Care Team at 

Each Checkup

Make Sure to...

Medicines

• Talk about the medicines you are 

taking. Mention if you are having 

any problems.

• Ask if you should take a low-dose 

aspirin every day to lower your risk 

for heart disease.

Feet • Ask to have your feet checked for 

problems.

Physical activity 

plan • Talk about what you do to stay active.

Meal plan • Talk about what you eat, how much 

you eat, and when you eat.

Feelings

• Ask about ways to handle stress. 

• If you are feeling sad or unable to 

cope with problems, ask for help.

Smoking • If you smoke, ask for help with 

quitting.

Mouth

• If you see signs of problems from 

diabetes in your mouth, tell your 

doctor and see your dentist.
28

What tests, exams, and vaccines do 

I need if I have diabetes? 

This chart lists important tests, exams, and vaccines 

to get at least once or twice a year.

Tests, Exams, 

and Vaccines 

to Get at Least 

Once or Twice 

a Year

Make Sure to...

A1C test

• Have this blood test at least twice a 

year. Your result will tell you what 

your average blood glucose level was 

for the past 3 months.

Cholesterol test

• Get a blood test to check your

• total cholesterol

• LDL

• HDL

• triglycerides

Kidney tests

• Once a year, get a urine test to check 

for protein. 

• At least once a year, get a blood test to 

check for creatinine, a waste product 

healthy kidneys remove from the body.

(continued)
29

Tests, Exams, 

and Vaccines 

to Get at Least 

Once or Twice 

a Year

Make Sure to...

Eye exam

• See an eye doctor once a year for 

a complete eye exam that includes 

using drops in your eyes to dilate your 

pupils. 

• If you are pregnant, have a complete 

eye exam in your first 3 months of 

pregnancy. Have another complete 

eye exam 1 year after your baby is 

born.

Dental exam • See your dentist twice a year for a 

cleaning and checkup.

Flu vaccine • Get a flu vaccine each year.

Pneumonia 

vaccine

• Get this vaccine if you are younger 

than 64.

• If you’re older than 64 and your 

vaccine was more than 5 years ago, 

get another one.

Hepatitis B 

vaccine

• Get this vaccine if you’re younger 

than 60 and you have not already 

had the vaccine. 

• Prevent exposure to Hepatitis B by 

not sharing blood glucose monitors 

or other diabetes equipment.
30

How to Use the Daily Diabetes Record 

The next page is a blank record where you can 

keep track of your blood glucose test results, 

medicines, and notes about things that affect 

your blood glucose. Make one copy of the record 

page for each week. This record will help you see 

whether your diabetes plan is working. Review 

your record with your health care team at each 

checkup.

Follow this checklist when completing the daily 

diabetes record.

Blood Glucose Checks

● Talk with your health care team about the best 

times to check your blood glucose—before 

meals, after meals, or at bedtime. Write when to 

check your blood glucose at the top of the chart. 

● Write down your target blood glucose numbers. 

If needed, record test results taken before and 

after a meal on either side of the line in the meal 

boxes. For instance, 
31

● Circle the blood glucose result each time you’re 

above or below your target. For instance, 

Medicines

● Under the heading marked “Medicines,” write 

the names of your diabetes medicines and the 

amounts taken.

Notes

● Write down things that may affect your blood 

glucose numbers. Some examples are

•	eating more or less than usual 

•	forgetting to take your diabetes medicines 

•	physical activity—write down what kind and 

for how long 

•	being sick 

•	feeling upset about something—being under 

stress 
32 33

Daily Diabetes Record*

*Keep this copy clean. Make photocopies and write on those.

My Target Blood Glucose Numbers

Before meal target _________ to _________

1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal target _________ or below

My A1C target _________

When to check my blood glucose __________________________________________

Call my health care team if my blood glucose is higher than _________________

Monday

Breakfast 

blood 

glucose

Medicines Lunch 

blood 

glucose

Medicines Dinner 

blood 

glucose

Medicines Bedtime 

blood 

glucose

Medicines Other 

blood 

glucose 

check

Notes:

(Special events, sick days, physical activity)

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday
34

My Health Care Team Members

Use this chart to keep track of the contact 

information for your health care team members.

Name and Address Phone

Doctor

Endocrinologist

Diabetes 

educator

Counselor

Pharmacist

Dentist

Eye doctor

Foot doctor
35

Pronunciation Guide 

A1C (AY-WUHN-SEE)

aerobic (air-OH-bik)

amputation (AM-pyoo-TAY-shuhn)

cardiovascular (KAR-dee-oh-VASS-kyoo-lur)

cholesterol (koh-LESS-tur-ol)

circulation (SUR-kyoo-LAY-shuhn)

creatinine (kree-AT-ih-neen)

dietitian (DY-uh-TISH-uhn)

endocrinologist (EN-doh-krih-NOL-uh-jist)

gestational (jess-TAY-shuhn-uhl)

glucagon (GLOO-kuh-gon)

glucose (GLOO-kohss)

glycohemoglobin (GLY-koh-HEE-moh-GLOH-bin)

hemoglobin (HEE-moh-GLOH-bin) 

hyperglycemia (HY-pur-gly-SEE-mee-uh)

hypoglycemia (HY-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uh)

insulin (IN-suh-lin)

triglyceride (try-GLISS-ur-eyed)
36

For More Information

To find diabetes educators (nurses, dietitians, 

pharmacists, and other health care providers), 

contact

American Association of Diabetes Educators

200 West Madison Street, Suite 800

Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: 1–800–338–3633

Internet: www.diabeteseducator.org

To find dietitians, contact

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Internet: www.eatright.org

Click on “Find a Registered Dietitian.”

To get more information about taking care of 

diabetes, contact

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892–3560

Phone: 1–800–860–8747

TTY: 1–866–569–1162

Fax: 703–738–4929

Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
37

American Diabetes Association

1701 North Beauregard Street

Alexandria, VA 22311

Phone: 1–800–DIABETES (1–800–342–2383)

Email: askADA@diabetes.org

Internet: www.diabetes.org

JDRF

26 Broadway, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Phone: 1–800–533–CURE (1–800–533–2873)

Fax: 212–785–9595

Email: info@jdrf.org

Internet: www.jdrf.org

More in the Series

The Prevent Diabetes Problems Series includes 

seven booklets that can help you learn more about 

how to prevent diabetes problems.

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your diabetes 

under control

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your eyes healthy

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your feet healthy

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your heart and 

blood vessels healthy

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your kidneys 

healthy
38

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your mouth 

healthy

● Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your nervous 

system healthy

For free single copies of these booklets, write, call, 

fax, or email the

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892–3560

Phone: 1–800–860–8747

TTY: 1–866–569–1162

Fax: 703–738–4929

Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

These booklets are also available at 

www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.
39

Acknowledgments

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are 

carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists 

and outside experts. The National Diabetes 

Information Clearinghouse thanks the following 

people who helped review or field-test the original 

version of this publication:

For the American 

Association of Diabetes 

Educators

Lynn Grieger, R.D.,

C.D.E.

Arlington, VT

Celia Levesque, R.N., 

C.D.E.

Montgomery, AL

Teresa McMahon, 

Pharm.D., C.D.E.

Seattle, WA

Barbara Schreiner, R.N., 

M.N., C.D.E.

Galveston, TX

For the American 

Diabetes Association

Phyllis Barrier, M.S., 

R.D., C.D.E.

Alexandria, VA

Linda Haas, Ph.C., R.N.,

C.D.E.

Seattle, WA

Kathleen Mahoney,

M.S.N., R.N., C.D.E.

Drexel Hill, PA

Randi Kington, M.S.,

R.N., C.S., C.D.E.

Hartford, CT

For the Centers for 

Medicare & Medicaid 

Services

Baltimore, MD

Jan Drass, R.N., C.D.E.

For the Diabetes Research 

and Training Centers

Albert Einstein School 

of Medicine

Norwalk Hospital

Norwalk, CT

Jill Ely, R.N., C.D.E.

Sam Engel, M.D.

Pam Howard, A.P.R.N.,

C.D.E.

Indiana University 

School of Medicine

Indianapolis, IN

Madelyn Wheeler, M.S.,

R.D., F.A.D.A., C.D.E.

VA/JDF Diabetes

Research Center

Vanderbilt School of

Medicine

Nashville, TN

Ok Chon Allison, 

M.S.N., R.N.C.S., 

A.N.P., C.D.E.

Barbara Backer, B.S.

James W. Pichert, Ph.D.

Alvin Powers, M.D.

Melissa E. Schweikhart

Michael B. Smith

Kathleen Wolffe, R.N.

For the Grady Health 

System Diabetes Clinic

Atlanta, GA

Ernestine Baker, R.N.,

F.N.P., C.D.E.

Kris Ernst, R.N., C.D.E.

Margaret Fowke, R.D.,

L.D.

Kay Mann, R.N., C.D.E.

For the Indian Health 

Service

Albuquerque, NM

Ruth Bear, R.D., C.D.E.

Dorinda Bradley, R.N.,

C.D.E.

Terry Fisher, R.N.

Lorraine Valdez, R.N., 

C.D.E.

Red Lake, MN

Charmaine Branchaud,

B.S.N., R.N., C.D.E.

For the Medlantic 

Research Center

Washington, D.C.

Resa Levetan, M.D.

For the Texas Diabetes 

Council

Texas Department of

Health

Austin, TX

Luby Garza-Abijaoude,

M.S., R.D., L.D.
40

National Diabetes Education Program

1 Diabetes Way

Bethesda, MD 20814–9692

Phone: 1–888–693–NDEP (1–888–693–6337)

TTY: 1–866–569–1162

Fax: 703–738–4929

Email: ndep@mail.nih.gov

Internet: www.ndep.nih.gov

www.yourdiabetesinfo.org

The National Diabetes Education Program is a 

federally funded program sponsored by the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services’ 

National Institutes of Health and the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention and includes over 

200 partners at the federal, state, and local levels, 

working together to reduce the morbidity and 

mortality associated with diabetes.
National Diabetes 

Information Clearinghouse

1 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892–3560

Phone: 1–800–860–8747

TTY: 1–866–569–1162

Fax: 703–738–4929

Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is 

a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive 

and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the 

National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services. Established in 1978, the Clearinghouse 

provides information about diabetes to people with diabetes and 

to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The 

NDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, 

and works closely with professional and patient organizations and 

Government agencies to coordinate resources about diabetes.

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse 

encourages users of this publication to duplicate and distribute 

as many copies as desired.

This publication is available at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov.

This publication may contain information about medications 

and, when taken as prescribed, the conditions they treat. When 

prepared, this publication included the most current information 

available. For updates or for questions about any medications, 

contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 

1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. 

Consult your health care provider for more information.
NIH Publication No. 14–4349

February 2014

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