Massachusetts Health Quality Partners Issues 2008 Report on Quali...( such as when employees miss work becau...),Health

If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, you and your doctor can work together to help control you blood pressure and better manage your diabetes. Here are some things you and your doctor can do:

Ways your doctor can help...

-- Teach you about diabetes. This includes problems that can happen if your blood pressure levels get out of control.

-- Teach you ways to control blood pressure. This includes eating healthy foods and being active each day.

-- Check your blood pressure at each visit.

-- If needed, prescribe medications and explain what they do and how to take them.

-- Talk with you about diabetes problems, ways to notice them, and what to do if they occur.

-- Ask you to have eye exams and other tests that check whether your diabetes is under control.

-- As needed, refer you to a dietician, diabetes educator, or specialist who can help in your diabetes care.

Ways you can help...

-- Make a diabetes plan with your doctor. This should include which foods to eat, ways to be active, and how often to visit the doctor.

-- Take all medication as your doctor prescribes. This includes medication to control blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have problems with any of your medications.

-- Eat the foods you are supposed to eat. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to control diabetes and high blood pressure.

-- Be active each day. This can be taking walks, going to a gym, or doing other types of exercise.

-- Know that health problems (such as high blood pressure) can make diabetes worse.

-- Visit the doctor at least once a year. Some people with diabetes see their doctors even
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