How to manage diabetes effectively

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Diabetes affects nearly 1 in 10 adults in the U.S., of these millions, more than 90% have Type 2 diabetes.

Controlling blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels ― or HbA1c, which is sometimes referred to as A1C ― is key to diabetes management and necessary to prevent its immediate and long-term complications.

An A1C of less than 7% is the target for most people, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Sometimes Type 2 diabetes can be managed by diet and exercise.

Most often, people also need medications or insulin to keep their blood sugar at a healthy level.

This Health & Medicine Lab video talks about the best ways to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies about common diet that could boost health in people with diabetes, and diabetes drugs that could help prevent vision loss.

Disclaimer: Any information on diseases and treatments available in this video is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with questions you may have regarding your medical condition.