Keep track of the food you eat
For people with diabetes, it's important to keep body weight and blood sugar under
control. It may help to record your eating habits in a food diary. Details like
what time you eat, how hungry you are before and after you eat, and even what you're
thinking about while you eat could go in your food diary. After a while, you may
learn more about why you make the food choices you make and what you can do to change
them, if necessary.
Kick bad habits—smoking and diabetes
Smoking cigarettes can lead to many health problems. Diabetes symptoms and complications
are worse for smokers than nonsmokers. It's also important not to drink excessive
amounts of alcohol. If you are a heavy drinker and have diabetes, it is a good idea
to cut down or even stop drinking. To learn more about how your drinking habits may
be affecting your diabetes, talk to your doctor.
Diabetes and maintaining healthy teeth and gums
Diabetes may lead to higher levels of glucose in your saliva. This could lead to
a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your teeth and gums healthy,
brush at least 3 times a day and floss daily. You should also make regular visits
to your dentist for examinations and cleanings. Learn more about diabetes and your
teeth and gums at Cornerstones4Care.com.
Diabetes and sleep—getting a good night's rest
It is important to your overall heath to get a full night of sleep. If you sleep
for a normal amount of hours every night but still feel tired during the day, you
may have sleep apnea. Loud ongoing snoring is a symptom
of sleep apnea. There may also be pauses in the snoring, followed by choking or
gasping for air.
People with diabetes are more likely to have sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor if
you have sleep apnea, or if you feel that you aren't getting enough sleep at night.
Diabetes and foot care
Some people with diabetes get tingling or numbness in their feet due to nerve damage,
called neuropathy. That is why it is important to
take good care of your feet. Wash your feet daily and wear clean, dry socks throughout
the day. Always wear something on your feet to protect them from cuts or bruises,
even inside the house. Check your feet every day to make sure there are no blisters,
swelling, or other problems. You can talk to your doctor or a
podiatrist about any foot problems you may have. Learn more about diabetes
and foot problems.
Check in with your diabetes care
team regularly
Your diabetes care team may be more than just your doctor. Your diabetes treatment
plan is more than just treating your blood sugar. Diabetes may also affect your diet, eyes,
nerves, feet, and your teeth and gums. You should work with an
endocrinologist, a registered dietitian, an ophthalmologist,
a podiatrist, and a dentist. Learn more about working with your care team.
Individual results may vary.
