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Diabetes - How to Look After
Yourself
Diabetes is a disease that affects many people; it can
strike at any point in their lives. If you have
diabetes you
want to be active in the management of your self-care.
The
more you control your self-care, the more you assume
control
of your medical condition. You may find information
about
diabetes from a variety of sources, including your
doctor.
When managing your care, you doctor will encourage you
to
assume responsibility for the care of your diabetes,
thus
your will be in charge of you self-care. Be mindful of
the
fact the self-care for diabetes doesn't occur only
after the
diabetes diagnosis,
If you are at risk for having diabetes you will want
to
keep a close eye on what is happening to your body and
become aware of the symptoms of diabetes. Make sure
that
you visit your doctor regularly for checkups.
Diagnosed
diabetics need to be diligent with their care so that
they
can stay healthy and to avoid any complications can
occur
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
Self-care is empowering. Once the diabetic patient is
practicing self-care, he'll feel more in charge of his
whole
life, and able to help with controlling the progress
of the
disease.
A Diabetes Care Center is a great way to get
additional
help from a medical source other than your doctor. A
diabetic care center is there to help you with all
aspects
of your medical condition that includes helping you
plan a
well balanced diet, help administering medication,
help in
evaluating which medical checkups you should be
pursuing,
and providing emotional support for you and your
family.
Diabetes Care Centers are also there to conduct
research
into finding a cure for diabetes.
Diabetes is a genetic disease as well as a disease
that can
manifest itself in the later years of life,
particularly if
the patient is over weight and has some unhealthy diet
and
exercise habits. If you are at risk for diabetes
either
through genetics or due to your lifestyle, you should
be
sure to have an annual doctor~s appointment so that
you can
have an early detection of diabetes if it is going to
occur.