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Know Your Numbers Challenge

Dr. Oz is sounding the alarm on America’s national diabetes epidemic. With the help of Bob Greene, author of The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes, Dr. Oz is challenging you to know your numbers and assess whether you have, or are at risk for, diabetes.

Nearly 25 million Americans have already been diagnosed and almost 60 million are at risk; this means diabetes affects approximately 1 out of every 4 Americans. The disease is a killer – and it doesn’t discriminate; children, the overweight and African-Americans have been hit particularly hard by this national epidemic.

 

However, perhaps the most shocking statistic is that in most cases, it’s absolutely and entirely preventable. If you have a family history of diabetes or are a member one of the high-risk groups mentioned above, then it’s time to know your numbers! Visit the Action Plan to get started now.

  • Know Your Numbers!

    If you haven’t yet been tested for diabetes, now is the time to do so. According to the CDC, 40% of diabetics are unaware of their condition. Symptoms of this disease include:

    • Increased thirst 
    • Frequent urination 
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Fatigue
    • Frequent infections

    From Bob Greene’s book, The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes, here is a quick guide explaining the numbers to shoot for. “Ideal” is what blood sugar readings look like in people without diabetes; you may be able to achieve these. If not, your levels should fall into the acceptable range.

     

    Before meals                                   

    • Ideal: 70-100                                               
    • Acceptable: 70-130

    2 hours after the start of a meal

    • Ideal: Less than 140
    • Acceptable: less than 180

    Target A1C Level

    The A1C test reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 – 3 months.  Here's what the A1C numbers mean:

    6.0 and under: Normal

    6.0 - 6.5: Heightened risk of diabetes

    6.5 and above: Diabetes

     

    Once you know your numbers, determine if you need to get your blood sugar in check with Bob Greene’s 12-Week Plan.


  • Bob Greene’s 12-Week Plan

    Get your numbers in the ideal or acceptable range with Bob Greene’s 12-Week Plan.

     

    • Click here for a day of sample recipes
    • Click here to read and print for Bob’s Fitness Plan
    • Click here to buy your copy of The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes


  • Tell Dr. Oz How You’re Doing

    If your numbers have diagnosed you with diabetes or pre-diabetes and you’ve made the commitment to get your blood sugar under control, then Dr. Oz wants to hear from you! Help reverse the diabetes epidemic by deciding to live your best life now.

     

    Click here to share your numbers and your story.


ADDED ON Tue 12/1/2009