Many people with diabetes do not realize that having diabetes increases their chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

While most people may think about diabetes-related health problems such as kidney disease, blindness and amputation, adults with diabetes are nearly two times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than a person without diabetes.

If you have diabetes, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) and the Jessamine County Health Department want you to know that you can lower your chance of having a heart attack or stroke by managing your Diabetes ABCs.

A is for the A1C test (A-one-C). This is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) level over the past three months.

B is for Blood pressure.

C is for Cholesterol.

S is for stopping smoking.

If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Your ABC goals will depend on how long you have had diabetes, and other health problems.

If you smoke, ask for help or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

For more information, please visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/heart or contact the Jessamine County Health Department at 859-885-4149 for local diabetes programs and opportunities.