If you have diabetes, you're probably well aware of its potential complications; kidney failure, blindness and amputation are among the worst. But two out of three people with diabetes don't realize that they have the highest risk for heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. Having diabetes means you are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than an adult who doesn't have diabetes.

There are plenty of ways to lower your risk, though, and you may already be doing some of them. To find out if you're doing enough, know the results of the three tests that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) calls "the ABCs of diabetes."

1. A for A1C. The A1C test shows your average blood sugar level for the past two or three months. High blood sugar harms your heart, blood vessels and other organs. The ADA recommends a target A1C level below 7.
2. B for blood pressure. Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Having high blood pressure makes your heart work harder and damages your blood vessels. Aim for a blood pressure below 130/80.
3. C for cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Pay special attention to LDL, the bad cholesterol that can clog your arteries. Keep your LDL below 100.

Meeting these target numbers can help you avoid heart disease. If you don't already know your ABC numbers, ask your doctor. In most cases, doctors check blood pressure at every visit, A1C at least twice a year and cholesterol every year.

What can I do to meet my target numbers?
You're probably already doing things that can reduce your risk of heart disease. Many of the same lifestyle habits that help control your blood sugar can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. The best things you can do are:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat and salt, and includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
• Lose some weight if you are overweight.
• If you smoke, quit. You are twice as likely to get heart disease if you smoke.

Taking these steps can help you get your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol results to the target levels.

My numbers are still too high. What now?
It's possible to eat right, exercise daily and lose weight, yet still not reach the ADA's target numbers. If your test results are not ideal now, don't give up. Talk to your doctor. Many people with diabetes need to take medicine to get their blood pressure or cholesterol as low as it should be.

If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it as directed and don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking your medicine, your test numbers could go right back up. Keeping them at or near target levels could be your key to a longer, healthier life.

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