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3. Track Your “ABCs”
A few simple tests can indicate just how well you’re managing your disease, so plan to have your A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels checked regularly.
An A1c test will measure your average blood sugar level over the past few months, and as long as the results are around 7% or less, you’re in good shape. Blood pressure has a big impact on your heart disease risk, so you should monitor it regularly and do what you can to keep it down.
Cholesterol is another important aspect of cardiovascular risk – high levels of bad cholesterol will make heart attacks and strokes much more likely – so have it checked at least once a year, and take measures to cut out high-cholesterol foods once and for all.
Good news, you don't have to give up coffee altogether — but you may have to change the way you drink it.
