When initially diagnosed with diabetes, there are many life changes to be made, instructions to be followed, and new home health care equipment to figure out. Giving yourself injections can be upsetting, not to mention having to change your diet and eating habits. It's overwhelming, but there are things you can do 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, be positive and in control.
Get Everything in Writing - Ask your doctor for written instructions on exactly what you are required to do to control your diabetes. Ask about everything from medications to diet, checking your blood sugar at home, and anything else you need to do.
Ask Questions - Don't wait to be given instructions - 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 schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in treating diabetics.
See a Nutritional Consultant - The right foods are your best medicine. Organize an appointment with a dietician who specializes in diabetics.
Control Your Blood Sugar - Once diagnosed, it is critically 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 under control to avoid future problems.
Get A Flu Shot - Diabetes can weaken your immune system, so if your physician recommends it, get influenza, pneumonia, and/or hepatitis B vaccinations.
Lose Weight - Being overweight worsens diabetes and can trigger 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 - Abstaining from 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 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 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.
