If you have diabetes, keeping your A1C level below 7.0% is important. A1C shows your average blood sugar over the past three months. Keeping your blood sugar in the healthy range helps prevent serious problems like vision loss, kidney disease, foot pain or numbness, and heart disease.

Here are some things you can do to help manage your blood sugar:

  • Eat smart: Fill half your plate with vegetables. Watch your portion sizes.
  • Stay active: Try to move your body for 30 minutes most days. Even short bursts of activity help!
  • Keep your appointments: Go to all your provider visits and get your lab tests done.
  • See your primary care provider at least once a year—or more often if they suggest it. At your visit, ask about:
    • Your A1C level
    • Your blood pressure
    • Your cholesterol
    • Having yearly eye, kidney and foot exams 

Get a reward 

You can earn a $25 Shaw’s gift card for having five routine diabetes screenings in a year. Those screenings include: 1 eye exam, 2 blood sugar (HbA1c) tests, 1 protein test and 1 cholesterol (LDL) test. Learn more about how to get your reward.

More support

We also offer these free programs to help you control your diabetes:

  • Living Healthy—Take online fitness classes, listen to wellness webinars and more.
  • NationsNutrition—Get one-on-one nutrition support and a smart app to help you reach your goals.