Diabetes

Blood pressure in diabetics should be less than 130/80. Hemoglobin A1C (a number which reflects the degree of glucose control over about three months) should be less than 7.0 or 6.5. Virtually all diabetics should take a cholesterol lowering drug such as Zocor (simvastatin) or Lipitor (atorvastatin) to decrease the risk of a heart attack, even if the cholesterol level is normal. Most diabetics should take a baby aspirin 81 mg per day to decrease the risk of a heart attack. A yearly eye exam by an ophthalmologist is recommended.