Diabetes - How to Look After Yourself
by Kazzie Harris on 2007-09-24Diabetes is a disease that can affect anyone at any time in their life. If you have diabetes you will want to practice as much self-care as you can. The more in control you are of your self-care the more you will feel as though you are in charge of your medical condition. There is information about diabetes from a variety of sources, including your doctor. When it comes to self-care for your diabetes your doctor will most likely already be encouraging you to take as much responsibility for your diabetes as possible. Keep in mind that self-care for diabetes isn’t just for the diagnosed diabetic.
If you are in the risk category for developing diabetes you need to keep a close eye on what is happening to your body and watch for symptoms of diabetes. Schedule regular appointments for checkups with your doctor. Diabetics that have been diagnosed must be diligent with their care so that they maintain their health and avoid the complications that happen so frequently as a result of diabetes.
Self-care practices include: (1) Visit the doctor often, he or she will suggest a time table (2) Regular eye examinations, as eye problems often occur in the diabetic (3) Make and keep an annual dental examination (4) Do not smoke, if you are a smoker, quit! (5) Make sure your diet is balanced and healthy (6) Take good care of your feet as diabetes affects blood flow to them and the results can be disastrous
When a person begins the process of self-care and assisting in the management of their diabetes they feel as though they have more say in their care and more control.
There are a variety of additional sources, such as a Diabetes Care Center, that can provide assistance in getting medical information. A diabetic care center is provides information to help you with the many aspects of your medical condition, including: planning a well balanced diet; administering medication; planning which medical checkups are necessary; and lending emotional support to you and your family. Diabetes Care Centers are also actively involved in researching cure for diabetes.
Although diabetes is a genetic disease, it can strike at any time, especially in later years. That is one reason why it's so important to maintain a healthy weight and do some kind of exercise regularly. If you are at risk due to a predisposition within your family or because you don't take good care of yourself, see your doctor at least once a year to ensure early detection.
About The Author: Nancy Holmes is the chief editor for Facts on Diabetes, the #1 source on the internet for information about Diabetes. For more articles on Diabetes visit: www.factsondiabetes.com/articles Click here to get your own unique version of this article.