You can control diabetes by:

• eating right
• exercising
• losing weight
• checking your blood sugar level
• taking prescribed medications as directed
• learning about diabetes

If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to maintain good blood glucose control. Not only will this lessen the symptoms of diabetes, you’ll also have more energy. Keeping your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible can also help delay and possibly prevent serious or deadly complications of diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes can increase your risk for:

• heart disease and stroke
• blindness
• nerve damage (called diabetic neuropathy)
• kidney damage (called nephropathy)
• complicated pregnancy
• amputation (removal of a limb)

If unaddressed, these problems can significantly affect your quality of life, leading to disability and even death.

Steering Clear of Complications

The good news is that you can cut your risk of developing many of these complications by sticking with an intensive glucose management plan. This includes:

• frequently checking blood glucose levels (either in the lab and at home with a glucose meter to give you immediate feedback on your blood glucose level)
• taking your medication regularly, if needed
• following a proper diet and exercise plan
• working with your health team

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels in check, your doctor may prescribe medications. These medications help to make your cells more receptive to insulin or to improve the ability of your pancreas to make insulin. Be sure to take your medication as directed, and talk with your health care professional if you experience any side effects.

It’s also important to stay on top of follow-up appointments so your health care professional can keep tabs on your condition. A diabetes educator is a health care professional who can teach you how to best manage your diabetes. The educator will be an important part of your care team. He or she will review blood sugar records, ask about lifestyle choices and suggest any needed changes to your therapy. Diabetes educators are found in hospitals, physician offices, managed care organizations, home health care and other settings.

Your health care professional will also advise you to see other health care providers, such as a podiatrist (foot specialist), nutritionist and ophthalmologist (eye specialist). They can address some of the health problems that might result from having diabetes.

Tips to Prevent Health Problems Caused by Diabetes

It’s important to take good care of your body. Talk with your health team about what you can do to stay healthy. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Physical activity, losing weight and eating a low saturated-fat, reduced-calorie diet can help prevent or delay diabetes and its complications. If you have diabetes, talk with your health care provider about your intake of carbohydrates. Foods high in dietary carbohydrates include sugar, starchy foods like potatoes and pasta, grains, rice, breads, and cereals.
• Don’t skip out on home blood glucose monitoring. Very high glucose levels (hyperglycemia) or very low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) are both dangerous health emergencies. Be sure to monitor your blood glucose at whatever intervals your health care professional recommends, usually one to four times a day (for example, before and after meals, before and after exercise, before bedtime).
• Find out your average blood glucose level. At least twice a year, get a blood test called the A1C test. The result will tell you your average glucose level for the past two to three months.
• Consult a nutritionist. Talk to a nutritionist about how to best plan your meals. Learn how different foods affect your glucose levels and ask about healthy and tasty food options, as well as portion control.
• Get yearly eye exams. Finding and treating eye problems early may keep your eyes healthy.
• Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get both checked regularly. High levels may increase your risk for heart problems.
• Care for your feet. Get a complete foot exam at least twice a year. Wear shoes that fit well and give support. Check your feet daily for cuts, sores, bumps, blisters or red spots. Contact your doctor if you notice swelling or infections or feel numbness or tingling or unusual cold sensation in either foot.
• Check your kidneys yearly. Diabetes can be hard on your kidneys. A urine and blood test will show if your kidneys are OK.
• Care for your teeth and gums. See your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and gums checked.
• Pay attention to signs of nerve damage. Contact your health care provider if you have trouble digesting food or if you notice tingling, numbness or other strange sensations in your feet, legs, arms or hands. This could be a sign of nerve damage. Men should also report any difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
• Protect your skin. Keep your skin clean and use skin softeners for dryness. Take care of minor cuts and bruises to prevent infections.
• Ask for a flu shot every year. This will help keep you healthy.
• Monitor your mood. People with diabetes have a higher rate of depression.

Heart Disease & Diabetes

Two-thirds of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular disease, typically at far younger ages than those without the disease. That’s why it’s important to know your ABCs to reduce your risk, according to the National Diabetes Education Program and the American Diabetes Association.