Think that you don't have to worry about your blood sugar if you're diabetes-free? Think again.

New research suggests that your blood sugar levels may shorten your life span, even if you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes.

It's in the A1c
When researchers recently measured people's A1c levels -- an indicator of overall blood sugar level during a 2- to 3-month period -- they noticed a clear trend in people without diabetes. (Find out how to get your A1c tested.) Their risk of dying during the next 4 years -- from a number of different causes -- increased by 16 percent for every 1 percent increase over an established reference value. Check your risk of type 2 diabetes here.

Even Your Keel
It's possible some people in the study had undiagnosed diabetes when their A1c was first measured. Still, other studies also suggest that healthy blood sugar levels are important to everyone, not just people with diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar starts with the basics: regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight control. Here are a few other tricks that may help:

• Do 12 weeks of resistance training. Here's what it will do. 
• Sprinkle cinnamon on your morning coffee and oatmeal.
• Pass on the fries. Cut down on these other foods, too.