Choose to Live Challenge for November:
Get the Very Best Care for Your Diabetes

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NEW!! Take the December 2005 Choose to Live Challenge!!

Welcome to the American Diabetes Association's Choose to Live Challenge! If you or a loved one has diabetes, you know that properly taking care of diabetes can make you feel better and stay healthier. Research has shown that managing blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol reduces the risk for long term health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney, eye and nerve disease. Making good choices, learning all you can, and working closely with your health care team will help you prevent or delay complications from diabetes.

Taking the Choose to Live Challenge is a great way to learn more about the best ways to care for your diabetes. And since November is American Diabetes Month, now is the perfect time to start taking control of your diabetes.

The Challenge will feature a unique health goal each month, each of which is designed to:

• Encourage you to take small steps toward better diabetes management
• Provide you with helpful information and facts on diabetes
• Empower you with tips, tools and resources to help you reach your health goals

November's Theme: Get the Very Best Care for Your Diabetes

Start the challenge right by learning about components of good diabetes care. While you should see your diabetes health care provider at least two to four times a year, taking care of diabetes is largely in your hands. Visit the links below to learn more about getting the best care for your diabetes today.

Resources

• Take our Diabetes Care Quiz and see how much you know about taking care of your diabetes.
• Feature Article: Getting the Very Best Care for Your Diabetes (PDF)
• Your Health Care Team
• Get more information by attending one of the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes EXPOs. Each Diabetes EXPO contains interactive events that include professional speakers, access to health providers, and cooking demonstrations.
• You can also get lots of great information at one of the ADA's Ferias, our Latino health fairs.
• Link for Life
• Share your experiences with others. Visit the Association's message boards, a great place to share and gather helpful information about proper diabetes management.

Monthly Web Chat

Catherine J. Tibbetts, RN, MPH, CDC
Past-President, Health Care & Education
American Diabetes Association

Did you miss our Webchat on how regular checks ups and diabetes education can help you stay well? If so, don't worry. Check out our transcript of the Webchat with Cathy Tibbetts.

Further Reading

• Highlighted ADA book: ADA's Complete Guide to Diabetes
• Taking Care of Type 2 Diabetes (PDF)
• Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider (PDF)