|
Controlling diabetes
The main goal for a diabetic in controlling diabetes and living a healthier life is to make sure they do everything in their diabetes management to avoiding the nasty complications associated with poor self management.
It’s these nasty diabetes complications that are expensive and difficult to handle, a little preventive medicine can go a long way in curbing complications before they start.
Some of these maintenance techniques are essential to long term health.
Regular Checkups
For A diabetic even with an excellent diabetes management formula, controlling diabetes includes seeing your doctor at least every 6 months for checkups
Regular exams are important to see if you are still on track with your long term goals.
Foot Exams
Nerves and blood vessel problems can affect your feet sooner than any other body part.
Self examination on your feet is important so you can be aware of any problems.
Here are a few tips that can prevent limb amputations and other complications.
1. Check your feet daily for cuts, cracks, sores, and redness or swelling
2. Wash your feet in warm water not hot
3. Do not soak your feet in hot water
4. Keep your toe nails even with the ends of your toes
5. Always wear shoes and slippers even inside the house
6. Inspect your shoes before putting them on
7. Make sure you wear the right size shoes
8. Change your socks every day
9. Dry yourself well after a bath especially between your toes
10 Let your doctor know right away if your feet are numb or painful or if a cut or sore doesn’t heal within a few days.
11. Always apply lotion to your feet to prevent dry skin.
Eye Exams
You should see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) for a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
You can have problems with your eyes even if you don’t have trouble seeing
If you see dark spots, see poorly in dim light, have eye pain or pressure or notice other problems then you should contact your doctor right away.
Dental Exams
Controlling diabetes means dental check ups for Periodontal disease or gum disease which is a common problem with diabetics, so seeing a dentist at least twice a year is also prudent.
You may not be aware that you have the disease because generally there is no pain but here are a few symptoms
1. Bleeding gums during brushing
2. Red or swollen gums
3. Loose or shifting teeth
4. Consistent bad breath
5. Pus between gums and teeth
6. Changes in the way your teeth fit together
7. Loose Dentures
8. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
If you have any of the symptoms above, please contact your dentist immediately.
You can use the following tips to prevent gum disease:
1. Brush your teeth regularly (3 times a day at least)
2. Clean between your teeth
3. Floss regularly
4. Use an interdental cleaner once a day
5. Avoid chewing tobacco
6. Use products with the ADA seal of approval because they meet the highest quality standards.
7. Use soft bristled brushes
8. Use toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent decay
9. Change your toothbrush every 4 months or when the bristles start to fray or bend
10. Brush for at least 1.5 to 2 mins
11. Choose a brush that fits your mouth so you can get the back teeth as well as the front
12. Healthy Eating will improve your overall health and prevent diseases.
all in all controlling diabetes means using all the diabetes resources available to you to mentain a healthier lifestyle, the controlling diabetes resource will provide all the information necessary for consistency in diabetes management.
|
