6 ways to keep diabetes symptoms to a minimum
Diabetes can affect your eyes, mouth, heart, and feet. Here are some healthy habits that can help lower your risk of complications.
1. Don’t smoke
Smoking increases your risk of various diabetic complications. One of these is reducing blood flow in the legs and feet, and that can increase the potential for infection and ulcers.
2. Control blood pressure and cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your blood vessels. These two conditions could lead to heart attack and stroke. Ask your doctor how to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in line.
3. Get a vision exam every year
It is an important way to keep your diabetes well managed. Schedule an appointment so your eye doctor can check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts, and glaucoma.
4. Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date
High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, which makes vaccines important. Ask your doctor about vaccines for flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and tetanus.
5. Keep your teeth healthy
Diabetes may make you prone to gum infections. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Schedule dental exams twice a year. Studies show they are just as important as medical exams in keeping your diabetes well managed. They also help keep your medical costs under control.
6. Pay attention to your feet
Diabetes can lead to pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in your feet. This is because high blood sugar reduces blood flow to the feet and damages the nerves. Talk to your doctor about what you should do daily to keep your feet healthy.
