Sunday, June 1, 2008

Good Diabetes Care - Things You Need to Know

If you're under lots of stress, you'll have a hard time taking care of yourself and managing your diabetes. Make sure you take good care of yourself to prevent/ minimize diabetes complications. Even simple things like monitoring your blood sugar or checking your feet every day are important. Taking an active role in your diabetes care can help you prevent or at least minimize complications from diabetes.

Your healthcare professional's role is to teach you how to care for your own diabetes. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for a foot check at least once a year, and more frequently if there are foot changes. During a foot exam, they will check for signs and symptoms of poor circulation, nerve damage, skin changes, or deformities. You should learn as much as possible about diabetic foot care and play an active role in your medical decisions and care. In fact, when it comes to foot care, you will be a vital member of the medical team.

Medicare is a government program which provides health care services for people who are 65 years of age and older. Medicare now includes coverage for glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets as well as medical nutrition therapy services for people with diabetes when referred by a doctor. For more information about Medicare benefits, call the National Diabetes Education Program at 1-800-438-5383.

You've got to take the initiative when it comes to your diabetes care. It's true that members of your diabetes care team - doctor, nurse educator and dietitian, for example - will encourage and help you to live as healthy as possible with your diabetes.

Educating yourself, daily monitoring, and taking responsibility for your own care are the first steps towards living a full and rewarding life, regardless of your diabetes.

For more information on diabetes and its care visit:

http://www.diabetic-care.net


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