Diabetes care involves many aspects of self care - aspects the diabetic alone is responsible for.

The diabetic is responsible for daily monitoring of the blood glucose level. This daily monitoring is done with a glucometer which can be used to check the blood glucose level several times a day. There are many of these monitors on the market and some of the companies that make them will even give the patient one for free as a marketing strategy for their company.

It is also up to the patient to be certain that insulin therapy or any other medications be taken as directed by your physician. Follow the direction as the physician has recommended especially with injections of insulin.

To manage diabetes, the patient will need to manage their diet daily. This is good for the blood glucose levels as well as maintaining weight control. There are many websites which have new and delicious recipes that are diabetic friendly. These sites also have support groups which are a great resource for newly diagnosed patients.

Another help to manage diabetes is regular exercise. The diabetic needs to make a commitment to exercising at least 3 times a week. This not only helps with weight control but exercise is just good for the body over all. It also helps medication or insulin therapy work more efficiently.

The patient will also need to learn all they can about foot health care as well as good skin care. Diabetics are prone to problems with the feet and skin due to nerve damage and the narrowing of blood vessels in the legs. These two problems can combine to make a tiny cut due to dry skin into a raging infection which can lead to gangrene which in turn can lead to amputation of the foot or leg. These problems are not to be taken lightly and your feet need to be inspected daily for any damage to the skin.

Diabetic oral care is another area which the patient needs to take responsibility for. Problems in the mouth develop because of blood sugar and poor dental hygiene. This can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontitis of the gum and other infections of the mouth. Daily self care involves brushing at least twice a day as well as flossing daily. Regular dental appointments need to be scheduled with a dentist who knows your history of diabetes as well as which medications you are on.

The patient is also responsible for regular visits to the eye doctor to have their vision checked. Because of the danger of developing diabetic retinopathy it is important that these eye exams be comprehensive and that the eye doctor dilates the eyes so the small vessels in the back of the eyes can be clearly examined. Diabetes can cause these blood vessels in the back of the eye and the retina to get weak and begin to leak blood and fluid into the retina.

So there are many areas where the diabetic has sole responsibility. There is no one around to make you take care of these areas - it is up to you and you alone to commit to taking care of this important areas. They are listed here as a bullet list that can be printed out. These responsibilities include:

• Daily monitoring of blood glucose level with a glucometer
• Insulin injections and other medications to be taken as directed
• Managing of diet and weight control
• Managing a daily exercise plan
• Daily monitoring and managing of skin and foot care.
• Daily oral hygiene
• Regular visits to the eye doctor as well as the dentist

Taking care of these areas as well as regular visits to your diabetes doctor, can keep you in top shape for many years to come. But you need to remember that managing diabetes takes a commitment to lifelong care of this chronic disease.

This section "Diabetes Care" covers more about the care of diabetes.

Learn More about Diabetes Care

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