17 / 24
ARCHBOLD.ORG •
WINTER 2014
17
Diabetes numbers to know
How would you know if you had diabetes or might be
headed that way?
You can’t count on symptoms—prediabetes and diabetes
usually have none at first. But a blood test can reveal wheth-
er your glucose level is normal or high.
These tests may be used to measure blood glucose in
either milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or percentages. See
how your numbers compare.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
Fasting plasma
glucose test
(mg/dL)
Oral glucose
tolerance
test (mg/dL)
A1C test
(percent)
Normal
99 or below 139 or below About 5
Prediabetes 100 to 125
140 to 199 5.7 to 6.4
Diabetes
126 or above 200 or above 6.5 or
above
diabetes
DIABETES
CAN WREAK
havoc on skin,
affecting how blood vessels nourish the body,
requiring drugs that make skin itchy and dry,
and suppressing the body’s ability to fight
infection if bacteria sneak in via a small cut
or blister.
Here are 10 skin must-do’s for people with
diabetes, according to the American Diabetes
Association:
10
Keep your skin clean, but bathe less often to
preserve moisture.
9
Take warm to cool baths and showers.
8
Use lotions to moisturize and soften your skin.
Dry skin itches and cracks, letting infections
take hold.
ways to
protect your skin
7
Dry carefully between your toes, but don’t
use lotion there. The moisture may encourage
fungal growth.
6
Treat cuts right away.
5
During dry and cold months, keep your home
humid.
4
Check your feet every day for sores and cuts.
3
Wear wide-toed shoes that fit well to avoid
blisters and sores.
2
See your doctor right away for any major cut
or burn or for skin problems you can’t control.
And the No. 1
way to protect your skin?
Keep your glucose level under control. This
helps your whole body, including your skin, stay
as problem-free as possible.
10