Five good tips for you with diabetes

Five good tips for you with diabetes

Diabetes is a disease you can live with today. Good blood sugar control is important to reduce the risk of developing tendon injuries. Take good care of your teeth and feet and strive for as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Get control of your blood sugar

Diabetes means that you have to monitor how what you eat, medicines and physical activity affect your blood sugar. Good blood sugar control reduces the risk of health-threatening late complications.

• Measure your blood sugar often at the start of the illness so that you can map how various activities throughout the day affect your blood sugar.

• Use a diary, electronic or on paper, to record your measurements and what you have done before/after the measurements.

• Remember to clarify how many measuring strips you need with your doctor, the number of strips must be written on your prescription.

Change the lancet every time you measure your blood sugar

The lancet used to measure blood sugar should be changed each time you prick yourself. The tip is fragile and can be easily destroyed, in addition the silicone coating on the outside of the tip can wear off, which can be a problem with regard to nickel allergy. Blood sugar measurement becomes less painful and more hygienic when you use a new lancet each time. Read more about blood sugar measurement here.

Ensure good oral and dental hygiene with diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher risk of tooth decay, gum problems and dry mouth.

• This risk can be reduced by:

• Have good blood sugar control.

• Brush your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste.

• Use toothpicks and dental floss.

• Avoid dry mouth by using saliva stimulants such as sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free lozenges or fluoride tablets.

Take care of your feet with diabetes

Diabetes means that the feet are particularly prone to ulcers, due to poor blood circulation and reduced sensitivity. We recommend regular care of the feet and check-ups with a GP or podiatrist. Read more about diabetes and foot care here.

Prevent late damage from diabetes with a healthy lifestyle

Diabetes and high blood sugar over time damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk of late damage in diabetes increases further if you are overweight, smoke or have too high cholesterol. Heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by keeping both blood sugar and blood pressure at a favorable level. Important key words are the right diet, regular physical activity as well as smoking cessation and weight reduction if necessary.