1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes
2. Don't smoke
Avoid smoking or quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and the risk of various diabetes complications, including:
Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections, nonhealing ulcers and possible amputationWorse blood sugar controlHeart diseaseStrokeEye disease, which can lead to blindnessNerve damageKidney diseasePremature death
Talk to your health care provider about ways to help you stop smoking or using other types of tobacco.
3. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the resulting damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions.
Eating a healthy, reduced-fat and low salt diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your health care provider may also recommend taking prescription medication, if necessary.
4. Schedule regular physicals and eye exams
Schedule two to four diabetes checkups a year, in addition to your yearly physical and routine eye exams.
During the physical, your health care provider will ask about your nutrition and activity level and look for any diabetes-related complications — including signs of kidney damage, nerve damage and heart disease — as well as screen for other medical problems. He or she will also examine your feet for any issues that may need treatment.
Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.
5. Keep your vaccines up to date
Your chance of contracting some diseases rises if you have diabetes. Regular vaccinations can aid in preventing them. Consult with your doctor about:
Flu shot.
An annual flu shot can help you stay healthy during flu season and guard against serious flu-related problems.
vaccination for pneumonia.
Sometimes only one shot of the pneumococcal vaccine is necessary. You could get a booster dose if you have diabetic problems or are 65 years of age or older. vaccination for hepatitis B. Adults with diabetes who have never gotten the hepatitis B vaccine and are under 60 are advised to do so. Consult your doctor about whether the hepatitis B vaccine is appropriate for you if you are 60 years of age or older and have never had it. different vaccinations Keep in touch with your
6. Take care of your teeth
Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss your teeth once a day and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Call your dentist if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.
7. Pay attention to your feet
High blood sugar can reduce blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections. Diabetes can lead to pain, tingling or loss of sensation in your feet.
To prevent foot problems:
Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water. Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin.Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes.Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.Check your feet daily for calluses, blisters, sores, redness or swelling.Consult your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn't start to heal within a few days. If you have a foot ulcer — an open sore — see your doctor right away.Don't go barefoot, indoors or outdoors.
8. Consider a daily aspirin
If you have diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin every day to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you don't have additional cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of bleeding from aspirin use may outweigh any of its benefits. Ask your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is appropriate for you, including which strength of aspirin would be best.
9. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly
Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation, which means no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Always drink with a meal or snack, and remember to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count. Also, be aware that alcohol can lead to low blood sugar later, especially for people who use insulin.
10. Take stress seriously
If you're stressed, it's easy to neglect your usual diabetes care routine. To manage your stress, set limits. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques.
Get plenty of sleep. And above all, stay positive. Diabetes care is within your control. If you're whiilling to do your part, diabetes won't stand in the way of an active, healthy life.
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