When initially diagnosed with diabetes, there are many life changes to be made, directives to be followed, and new home health care equipment to work out. Giving yourself injections can be very scary, not to mention having to alter your diet and eating habits. It's frightening, but there are things you can do to make diabetic life a little easier.
Don't Panic - Stress is bad 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 are required to do to manage your diabetes. Ask about 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 given advice - ask!
Follow the Advice of Your Physician - Be sure to take your medicine, go to your appointments, manage your blood sugar, and follow the directions of your doctor, including adding other specialists to your "team." If you have doubts, 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 doctor.
Control Your Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can contribute to 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 under control to avoid future problems.
Get A Flu Shot - Diabetes can weaken your immune system, so if your doctor advises it, get influenza, pneumonia, and/or hepatitis B vaccinations.
Lose Weight - Being overweight worsens diabetes and can set off serious complications.
Exercise - Try to get at least thirty minutes of exercise per day. Walking is great exercise and can be lots of fun.
Avoid Too Much Sugar and Carbohydrates - It's hard to give up those tasty treats, but sugar and carbohydrates wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels.
Avoid Alcohol - Avoiding alcohol will help you keep your blood sugar under better control.
See a Dentist - Diabetics are susceptible to gum disease. Brush and floss regularly and make an appointment with your dentist, making sure to inform them you are diabetic.
Check Your Feet - Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet and make it harder for sores to heal. Inspect your feet daily for discomfort, pain, redness, sores, cracking or numbness.
Quit Smoking - Diabetics who smoke run an even greater risk of serious complications.
Take a Class and Join a Support Group - If your local hospital or medical care center offers a class or support group for diabetics, join in! You can benefit from the experiences of others, just like they'll benefit from yours.
Hang in there! If you're committed to managing your diabetes, the diabetic way of living will get easier. After a short time|, it will become second nature and you won't even have to think about it.
