Presbyterian | Spring 2019 | Your Story

2 When you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar (glucose) from going too high may help you avoid or delay some serious health complications. But how do you know if you’re accomplishing that goal over time? Your healthcare provider will order a blood test called an A1C blood test to help take a look. Checking your blood sugar at home gives you a snapshot of your diabetes control. The A1C test is more like a time-lapse photo. It shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. A1C test results are often reported as a percentage. A good goal for many people with diabetes is less than seven percent. If your A1C test result is above your goal, it can mean that your blood sugar level has been high. If this happens, try not to let it get you down. Instead, ask your provider what you can do to get your blood sugar back on track. For example, one change could be to get more exercise. The American Diabetes Association recommends having an A1C test at least twice a year. Your provider will decide what’s right for you. Centennial Care The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Members can reach PCSC at the following numbers: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977‑2333 (toll-free), TTY users: 711 Navajo/Diné members: ( 505) 923‑5157 or 1-888-806‑8793 (toll-free), TTY users: 711 Other important numbers: PresRN (505) 923‑5677 or 1-888-730‑2300 (toll-free), TTY users: 711 Superior Medical Transportation (for non-emergency medical transportation): 1-855-774‑7737 (toll-free) New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 ( 1-855-NMCRISIS , toll-free) Keep these numbers handy What’s an A1C test for diabetes? F.A.S.T. AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER THE SUDDEN SIGNS OF STROKE IF SOMEONE SHOWS ANY OF THESE SIGNS, CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY. OTHER STROKE SIGNS Does one side of the face droop? Is it numb? Can they smile? Is the smile uneven? Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Can they correctly repeat a simple sentence? Is it slurred or hard to understand? Call 911 immediately, even if the signs go away. Note the time when the first signs appeared. It will help with treatment options. Sudden numbness or weakness of a leg. Sudden confusion or trouble understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. F ACE A RM S PEECH T IME Source: American Stroke Association