When initially diagnosed with diabetes, there are many life changes to be made, directives to be followed, and new home health care equipment to figure out. Giving yourself injections can be traumatic, not to mention having to change your diet and eating habits. It's frightening, but there are steps you can take to make diabetic life a little easier.
Don't Panic - Stress is not good for your blood sugar and you'll only make things worse if you panic. Stay calm, positive and in control.
Get Everything in Writing - Ask your doctor for written instructions on exactly what you need to do to control your diabetes. Include everything from medications to diet, checking your blood sugar at home, and anything else you have to do.
Ask Questions - Don't wait to be told - ask!
Follow the Advice of Your Physician - Be sure to take your medicine, go to your appointments, control your blood sugar, and follow the recommendations of your physician, including adding other specialists to your "team." If you have concerns, get a second opinion.
Schedule an Eye Examination - All diabetics are at risk for serious eye complications or even blindness. Immediately make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in treating diabetics.
See a Nutritional Consultant - The right foods are your best medicine. Schedule an appointment with a dietician who specializes in diabetics.
Control Your Blood Sugar - Once diagnosed, it is vitally important that you maintain the blood sugar levels designated by your physician.
Control Your Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can result in very serious complications in diabetics, including heart disease and congestive heart failure.
Check Your Cholesterol - If your cholesterol is high, take the recommended measures to get it manageable to avoid future problems.
Get A Flu Shot - Diabetes can compromise your immune system, so if your physician advises it, get influenza, pneumonia, and/or hepatitis B vaccinations.
Lose Weight - Being overweight worsens diabetes and can set off serious complications.
Exercise - Make an attempt to get at least thirty minutes of exercise per day. Walking is very good exercise and can be lots of fun.
Avoid Too Much Sugar and Carbohydrates - It's difficult to give up those tasty treats, but sugar and carbohydrates have a negative affect on your blood sugar levels.
Avoid Alcohol - Abstaining from alcohol will help you keep your blood sugar under better control.
See a Dentist - Diabetics are prone to gum disease. Brush and floss regularly and schedule an appointment with your dentist, making sure to let them know you are diabetic.
Check Your Feet - Diabetes can cause damage of the nerves in your feet and make it more difficult for sores to heal. Check your feet daily for discomfort, pain, redness, sores, cracking or numbness.
Quit Smoking - Diabetics who smoke run the risk of serious complications.
Take a Class and Join a Support Group - If your local hospital or medical care center has a class or support group for diabetics, join in! You can benefit from the experiences of other people, just as they'll benefit from yours.
Hang in there! If you're determined to manage your diabetes, the diabetic lifestyle will get easier. After a while|, it will become second nature and you won't even have to think about it.
