When treating diabetes,
prevention is essential. By addressing issues before they occur,
problems can be avoided later.
Check your blood sugar
often. This is sometimes not done on a regular basis and can
lead to complications and even death among diabetics. Ask your
doctor how many times you should check. Most diabetics check
their blood sugars at least 3 times a day. I personally check my
blood sugar levels 4-8 times a day.
Take your medication each
day as directed by your doctor. Skipping your medication can
lead to high blood sugar which will, in the long run cause
complications.
Eat your meals on time
everyday. Don't skip meals, and don't eat at different times
each day if you can help it. Skipping meals after taking your
medication can cause your blood sugar to drop.
Check your feet every day
Examine feet thoroughly, looking for
the following:
- Blisters, cuts and bruises
- Cracking, peeling, wrinkling
- Redness, red streaks, swelling
- Feet that are pinker, paler, darker or redder than usual,
possibly due to pressure from tight shoes
Things you should do on a daily basis for your feet are:
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Moisturize the skin
- Wear clean, dry socks
- Trim toenails carefully
Monitor blood pressure
People with diabetes are twice as
likely to develop high blood pressure than those without diabetes.
Black people are twice as likely and Hispanic people are three times
more likely than white people to have both diabetes and high blood
pressure.
Manage stress
People under a lot of stress have more
difficulties taking good care of themselves and their diabetes —
they may not eat right, exercise or take medication as it was
prescribed. Excessive or prolonged stress also can increase hormones
that block the effect of insulin, causing blood sugar to rise.
Books I highly recommend to anybody with Diabetes
All are available at a great price from Barnes & Noble.
Dr.
Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: A Complete Guide to Achieving Normal
Blood Sugars
The
American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes
The
Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges
Diabetes
for Dummies
Mr.
Food's Quick and Easy Diabetic Cooking: Over 150 Recipes Everybody
Will Love
