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Learn About Type 2 Diabetes
Blood glucose is the main sugar found in the blood and is the body's main source of energy.7 When you have type 2 diabetes, your body has trouble using blood glucose. An organ called the pancreas controls the amount of glucose in the blood.8 The pancreas makes insulin, which helps glucose go from the foods you eat into your cells. In a person with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin or the cells don't use insulin efficiently. As a result, the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high. Over time, high blood glucose causes problems.
How is blood glucose measured?
One of the ways your physician measures your blood glucose is the hemoglobin (Hb) A1-c test — or A1C, for short.9 It shows your average blood glucose level over the last 3 months. This test is the best way to learn your overall blood glucose control during this period of time. Measuring your fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is another test that your physician can perform to measure your blood glucose.10
Why is it important to treat my high blood glucose?
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition. You may have heard people say they have "a touch of diabetes" or "my sugar is a little high." These words suggest that type 2 diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Type 2 diabetes is associated with many serious health problems.11
People with type 2 diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, and be physically active every day. Taking good care of yourself and your type 2 diabetes can help you feel better.
What can I do to help lower my blood glucose?
People with type 2 diabetes may avoid the long-term consequences of the disease, such as heart attack and stroke, by taking good care of themselves. When you have type 2 diabetes, you need to eat healthy food, control your weight, stay active, and take your medications.12
In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, your physician has prescribed Welchol™ (colesevelam HCl), along with one or more additional medications, to help you manage your blood glucose level. It is important to take these medications every day, even when you are feeling well. For more information about Welchol and how it can help you, please click here.
The power to manage your type 2 diabetes is in your hands. It's important to reach the goals set by you and your physician. With diet, exercise, and the right medications, you can make changes that can help you succeed!
Welchol has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.
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References
7. National Diabetes Education Program. If you have diabetes.know your blood sugar numbers. Available at: http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/KnowNumbers_Eng.pdf. Accessed November 13, 2007.
8. National Diabetes Education Program. Diabetes: control-slide 3. Available at: http://ndep.nih.gov/resources/presentations/diabetescontrol/slide03.htm. Accessed November 13, 2007.
9. National Diabetes Education Program. If you have diabetes.know your blood sugar numbers. Available at: http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/KnowNumbers_Eng.pdf. Accessed November 13, 2007.
10. National Diabetes Education Program. Diabetes: numbers at-a-glance (for non-pregnant adults). Available at: http://ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/NumAtGlance_Eng.pdf. Accessed November 13, 2007.
11. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Why taking care of your diabetes is important. Available at: http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/care.htm.
12. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Why taking care of your diabetes is important. Available at: http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/care.htm.