Country music artist Tim McGraw is traveling the country to urge people with type 2 diabetes to get their blood glucose under control. The American Diabetes Association and Merck are launching America’s Diabetes Challenge: Get to Your Goals, an educational program that encourages people with the disease to work with their doctors to set and reach their A1C goals, which is the optimum average blood-glucose level over the past two to three months. Through the program, people living with type 2 diabetes can also learn if they are at risk of low blood glucose, known as hypoglycemia, and how to help reduce that risk.
“I’ve seen firsthand how diabetes affects people from all walks of life, including my family, friends, and fans. I’m a strong believer in making healthy choices, which is why I’m teaming up with Merck and the American Diabetes Association on America’s Diabetes Challenge,” said McGraw. “I’ve learned that about one-third of adults living with diabetes are not at their A1C goal. I want to change that statistic, so I’m encouraging all Americans to join me. If you have type 2 diabetes, take the challenge and pledge to work with your doctor to set and reach your A1C goal. And, if you’re like me and know someone living with type 2 diabetes, challenge them to work with their doctor to get to their goal. Together, we can make a difference.”
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes have an individualized A1C goal; the A1C goal for many adults with diabetes is less than 7 percent. However, a higher or lower goal may be appropriate for some people. High blood-glucose levels over time can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, stroke, and nerve problems. That is why, according to the Association, it is so important for people with diabetes to know their A1C and to work with their doctors to set and reach a goal that is right for them.
For more information, to make the pledge to work with your doctor to set and reach your own A1C goal, or to challenge loved ones to do the same, visit www.AmericasDiabetesChallenge.com.