Keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within your target ranges is key to lowering your risk of heart failure. Regular physical activity, not smoking, and following a heart-healthy eating plan can also make a big difference.

Symptoms that may indicate heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath (especially during activity or when lying down), a persistent cough that may produce frothy mucus, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see your doctor. The good news is that a range of effective treatments is available to help manage heart failure.

Yes — even if you feel fine, a blood glucose reading of 70 mg/dL or lower should always be treated. Acting early can help prevent symptoms from developing or becoming more serious.

Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range — ideally below 120/80 mm Hg — can significantly lower your risk of vision loss from diabetes. Managing your blood glucose levels and getting regular dilated eye exams are also key to protecting your eyesight.

To lower your triglyceride levels, focus on reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates, such as candy, table sugar, and white flour. It’s also helpful to limit processed foods and choose healthier fats, like those from fish, nuts, and olive oil. Regular exercise and weight management can also make a significant difference.

Yes — before starting a low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plan for weight loss or blood glucose management, it’s important to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian or diabetes educator. They can help ensure the diet is safe for your specific health needs, guide you on nutrient balance, and adjust medications if necessary to help prevent low blood glucose.

To reduce your risk of heart disease, focus on lowering your intake of saturated and trans fats. Aim to keep saturated fat to less than 7% of your daily calories and avoid trans fats altogether. Making these adjustments can significantly support your heart health.

Before you leave the hospital, be sure to get a written list of all the medications you should take at home — including the correct doses and when to take them. If any of your usual medications are missing from that list, ask your care team why. Once you’re home, ask your regular pharmacist to review the updated list to check for possible drug interactions, duplications, or anything you might be allergic to.

If you have diabetes, quitting smoking may be the single best thing you can do to protect your vision — not to mention your heart, lungs, kidneys, and overall health. Smoking increases the risk of diabetic eye diseases, including retinopathy, so kicking the habit can make a big difference.

To build and maintain strong bones, your body needs a variety of nutrients — especially calcium and vitamin D. Calcium helps form bone structure, while vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium effectively. Other important nutrients for bone health include magnesium and vitamin K, which also support bone strength and mineralization.

If you suspect your blood glucose is low, it’s important to act quickly. First, stop what you’re doing and check your blood glucose with your meter. If it’s low, have a fast-acting carb like glucose tablets or juice. Don’t hesitate to pull over if you’re driving or pause a conversation if needed. If you can’t check your blood glucose for any reason, go ahead and treat your symptoms by consuming a quick sugar source — it’s better to be safe.

Yes — it’s smart to be prepared. Whether you’re heading out for a walk, bike ride, or any other activity, stash a few essentials in a small bag or waist pack. Include a water bottle to stay hydrated, a fast-acting carb (like glucose tablets or a small snack) in case of low blood sugar, a bit of cash or a debit card, and your basic diabetes supplies, such as a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) reader. If you use insulin or are prone to lows, don’t forget a medical ID, just in case.

If your blood glucose levels are on target and your treatment plan is stable, you should have an A1C test at least twice a year. However, if your therapy has recently changed or you’re not meeting your blood glucose goals, it’s recommended to have the test about every three months — or four times a year — to monitor progress and guide any needed adjustments.

Contact your doctor or podiatrist right away — don’t wait. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. Care may involve antibiotics (taken by mouth or given through an IV) to address infection, along with special dressings or topical treatments to help protect the wound, keep it moist, and support healing. Your care team may also recommend offloading — relieving pressure from the affected area — to speed recovery.

Once you’ve gotten the go-ahead from your doctor, aim for about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity — such as brisk walking — on most days of the week. You don’t need to be overweight to benefit from daily movement; regular activity helps improve blood glucose levels, energy, mood, and overall health.

To help prevent athlete’s foot, always wear slippers, flip-flops, or other footwear in public areas like locker rooms, pools, and shared showers. These warm, damp environments are ideal for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot to thrive, so keeping your feet protected can greatly reduce your risk.

To lower your risk of osteoporosis, engage in regular weight-bearing exercises (like walking, running, or strength training) and ensure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. These steps help maintain bone strength and prevent bone loss.

At the first sign of hypoglycemia (such as shakiness, sweating, or confusion), treat it promptly by consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. Examples include four glucose tablets, 4 ounces (about half a cup) of regular fruit juice or regular (not diet) soda, or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood glucose again. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the treatment. Once your level is back in range, eat a small snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.