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
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
2. Don't smoke
Avoid smoking or quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and the risk of various diabetes complications, including:
- Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections, nonhealing ulcers and possible amputation
- Worse blood sugar control
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Eye disease, which can lead to blindness
- Nerve damage
- Kidney disease
- Premature death
Talk to your health care provider about ways to help you stop smoking or using other types of tobacco.
