Articles
Diabetes care: 10 ways to avoid complications
Content
1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes
2. Don't smoke
3. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
4. Schedule regular physicals and eye exams
5. Keep your vaccines up to date
6. Take care of your teeth
7. Pay attention to your feet
8. Consider a daily aspirin
9. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly
10. Take stress seriously
1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes
Members of your diabetes care team — doctor or primary care provider, diabetes nurse educator, and dietitian, for example — can help you learn the basics of diabetes care and offer support along the way. But it's up to you to manage your condition.
Learn all you can about diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight.
Monitor your blood sugar, and follow your doctor's instructions for managing your blood sugar level. Take your medications as directed by your doctor. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.
