Dealing with diabetes: Self-management makes the difference

Your doctor, dietitian and diabetes educator are partners in your health care. But when it comes to controlling diabetes, you are the one who makes all the difference. Taking care of yourself could prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.

• Check your blood sugar regularly as recommended by your doctor, and keep it in check with exercise, meal planning and any medication your doctor prescribes.

• Inform your family and close friends about your condition so they know what to expect.

• Visit your doctor two to four times each year for a general check-up, to order lab tests and to check your feet.

• Have a fasting lipid (cholesterol) profile each year.

• Have a dilated eye exam done each year by an eye doctor.

• Get a flu shot each year, and get your pneumonia shot.

• Get a urine protein test each year to see how your kidneys are working.

• Get your hemoglobin A1c measured at least twice a year. (This is a type of blood test.)

• Don't smoke! People with diabetes who smoke have five times the rate of heart disease as non-smokers with diabetes, and smoking can cause other complications as well.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Keep track of your blood pressure, and take steps to keep it down.

• Check your feet daily and report scratches, cuts, cracks, blisters or other potential problems to your doctor. Have your feet checked by your doctor at each visit.

• Don't go barefoot even in your home, and always wear clean socks.

• Get support from family and friends, and find out about support groups and other resources in your area

For more information on diabetes read Straight Talk about Diabetes.