How to Control Diabetes For Life By Peter Geisheker At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Every person who has diabetes has different needs. These steps for maintenance and control of diabetes is meant as a basic guideline; talk to your doctor about developing a plan of action for your particular needs.

Besides helping you feel better, controlling diabetes also reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, eye diseases, nerve damage (resulting in amputation and erectile dysfunction), kidney failure, and gum disease.

#1. Education

The first step to maintaining your body against any disease is to know your enemy inside and out. Knowing the difference between Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes (and which one you have) affects your approach to the disease.

And it is a serious disease. While it is manageable, and proper care can result in a long, healthy life, it still requires a serious approach. Diabetes can cause serious health problems down the road when left untreated.

#2. Regular Care

See your doctor on a regular basis. Discuss with him or her how often you need to have a diabetes check-up. Keep track of questions and concerns that you have, so that you can make sure you bring them up the next time you see your doctor. If something feels like it is not working properly, changes should be made as soon as possible.

Don't be ashamed of it, either. Be open about your diabetes with family and friends. They can offer care and support when you are struggling.

#3. Control YOUR Diabetes

Instead of relying on generic articles for medical advice, talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and how to treat your own body. You need to make sure you are eating healthy, exercising regularly, and looking after yourself – taking your medications and paying attention to your symptoms every day. All of these things can help keep diabetes at bay.

#4. Know Your "ABCs"

The three ABCs of diabetes are A1C (your blood glucose average), Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This goes back to eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking your medications. It is also important to test your blood glucose levels regularly, so that you know how you are progressing.

#5. Keep Track

When monitoring your blood glucose levels, keep a log. Don't rely on your memory and guess how it looked last time – write it down every time. This can go a long way in keeping tabs on your levels and making sure that you can see and understand any trends that may be developing. This can help you pinpoint problems before it's too late.

#6. Watch Out for Long-Term Problems

Controlling your ABCs will help you in preventing long-term health problems associated with diabetes, including:

* Heart attack
* Stroke
* Eye and Gum disease
* Kidney problems
* Nerve damage
* Foot amputation

Talk to you doctor about how often you should be tested for these different health problems. Diabetes puts you at a strong risk for these things, and knowing them and knowing your diabetes is the way to keep them from affecting you.

Diabetics that do not maintain control over their diabetes treatment can be very unhealthy and miserable. To avoid that, follow these steps and keep in touch with your doctor. There's no reason why you can't live a full, normal, healthy life with diabetes, as long as you keep up with your treatment.

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