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DIABETES
Not only does diabetes affect adults,
but there is a growing concern over
the number of children that are diagnosed
with diabetes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FROM HEAD TO TOE
Eyes
Diabetes can lead to vision loss or
even blindness.
To take good care of your eyes:
-
Keep your blood sugar
close to your goal.
-
Bring high blood pressure
down.
-
Get a dilated eye
exam by an eye doctor every year.
Your eye doctor will use drops to
enlarge your pupils to look inside
your eyes.
-
See your eye doctor
if:
-
Your vision is
blurry.
-
You see double.
You see spots or floaters.
-
One or both eyes
hurt.
-
You feel pressure
in your eye.
-
You can’t
see things at the sides like you
used to.
-
You have trouble
reading.
Heart
People with diabetes are twice as likely
to develop high blood pressure than
people without diabetes.
To have a healthy heart:
-
Lose weight, if you
are overweight. Talk to your health
care provider.
-
Become more physically
active.
-
Have your blood pressure
checked at each health care provider
visit.
-
Ask your health care
provider what your blood pressure
goal should be. A blood pressure checked
level under 130/85 mm Hg is the goal
for most people with diabetes.
-
Don’t smoke.
-
Keep your blood sugar
close to your goal.
-
Take off your shoes
and socks and have your feet checked
at least once a year—more often
if you have any foot problems.
-
Wash your feet every
day. Dry them, even between toes.
-
Check daily for cuts,
blisters, redness, and swelling. If
you cannot see the bottom of your
feet, use a mirror or ask someone
for help. If you find anything, contact
your health care provider—no
matter how small the problem.
-
Never walk barefoot.
-
Wear shoes that fit
well. If you have lost feeling in
your feet, ask your health care provider
for advice on proper shoes.
-
Break in new shoes
slowly.
-
Wear clean padded
socks that fit well. Make sure the
sock seems are in the right place.
-
Cut your nails straight
across and file the edges.
-
Shake out your shoes
before putting them on. A small pebble
can lead to problems.
-
Don’t smoke.
Source: Prevention, June
2002.
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