Self-Care
When you have diabetes, it is important to take extra good care of yourself. Diabetes can affect every part of the body, and it is up to you to keep your body healthy.
Although foot and skin care, proper oral hygiene, and smoking cessation are of benefit to all individuals, they are especially important for those with diabetes.
Foot Care
People with diabetes are more likely to experience foot problems because of the increased risk for nerve damage, poor circulation, and infections that come along with having diabetes. Nerve damage may result in an inability to feel injuries on the feet. more»
Oral Hygiene
We have all been taught the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth daily and seeing a dentist regularly. Unfortunately, many of us don't do as well as we should in our dental maintenance, and more than 90% of adults get gum disease sometime during their life. You are at an even higher risk for gum problems. Diabetes weakens your mouth's ability to fight against gum disease, and high blood glucose levels can even make gum disease get worse. more»
Skin Care
Though everyone is susceptible to some skin conditions, people with diabetes are more likely to get bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching due to yeast infections, dry skin, or poor circulation. Almost one-third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes some time in their life. more»
Smoking Cessation
Studies have shown that people with diabetes who smoke have an increased risk of death from heart disease. Smoking is also related to the early development of long-term complications such as, kidney disease or nerve damage. more»
Routine Checkups
The best way to keep on track and prevent problems is to get regular checkups. You should work with a health care team that may include a physician, pharmacist, nurse, dietician, and/or mental health professional with interest in diabetes care. more»
