If you have diabetes, you are not alone; nearly 300,000 of your fellow Kentuckians have this common and potentially serious disorder.Fortunately, by controlling diabetes you can prevent the devastating complications of the disease.Diabetes is different from many health care problems that can be cured by medicine or surgery. You have to take care of it yourself day in and day out. Your health care team members can help and guide you but we cannot make diabetes go away. Here is a check list of the things you need to do to take charge of your diabetes.
|
- HAVE YOUR FEET EXAMINED by a doctor yearly or more often if you have foot problems.
- CHECK YOUR OWN FEET daily or have a family member look at them.
- SEE YOUR DENTIST and maintain good oral hygiene.
- HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED several times a year. It should be less than 130/80.
- HAVE YOUR CHOLESTEROL CHECKED at least once a year. It should be less than 200 mg per dl. Also, your LDL (bad) cholesterol should be less than 100 mg per dl, your HDL (good) cholesterol should be greater than 45 mg per dl, and your Triglycerides (blood fat) should be less than 150 mg per dl.
- TAKE ONE ASPIRIN or baby aspirin daily if approved by your doctor.
- GET A FLU SHOT each fall and check with your doctor about a pneumonia shot.
- DON'T SMOKE
|
The list is long, but many of the items are good health behaviors that everyone should engage in. If you don't understand any of the items, be sure to have your doctor or diabetes educator explain them to you. Your doctor can order the laboratory tests and prescribe medications as needed for you to complete your checklist and keep it up to date.
|
|
|
4965 US Hwy 42, Ste 2000