Glucose (sugar) runs through every blood vessel in the body. It’s no wonder that research has shown that elevated levels of blood glucose, known as pre-diabetes, can cause damage. Diabetes and blood glucose levels also increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that learning self-management techniques can equip you with the necessary tools to delay or prevent diabetes complications. Here are a few fitness and nutrition goals you can start with:

• Keep hemoglobin A1c levels under 6.5 percent without experiencing hypoglycemia.
• Keep blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg.
• Maintain daily sodium intake between 2000 – 2400 mg.
• Limit daily total fat intake to 50g – 60g and limit daily cholesterol intake to 200 mg.
• Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily, three days a week, working up to four to five days a week.

Exercise assists with weight loss, improves blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increases circulation, muscle strength and flexibility, reduces stress and helps insulin work better, which leads to better blood glucose levels. Be sure to start physical activity slowly and gradually increase their level of exertion.

The Christ Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center is located at 4440 Red Bank Expressway, 2nd floor. It offers fine needle biopsy procedure room, expanded hours of diabetes education from the outpatient diabetes center at The Christ Hospital, support group meetings and research opportunities focused on diabetes and endocrine disorders.

For more information on these services, please call 513-272-0313 or visit www.TheChristHospital.com