Health Tips: How to Protect Yourself from Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that can lead to very serious complications
such as blindness and amputation of limbs due to gangrene. For
that reason -- if you have diabetes, be sure to take care of
yourself.

Here are some health tips for you to remember as you try to
properly care for yourself:

1. Stay on schedule with your medication.

Try to remember to take it about the same time on a daily basis --
preferably about the time you usually eat.

2. Exercise regularly.

Walking, playing golf, and using a treadmill are three possible
exercises you might want to consider. Since diabetics can become
exhausted rather easily, regular exercise will help you be more
energetic.

3. Take special care of your feet.

Diabetes can result in numerous complications affecting the limbs
and feet, so keep watch over your feet and point out to your
doctor any suspicious infections. If you have any sores on your
feet, they can easily become infected if you have diabetes. After
you've taken a bath or shower, carefully examine your feet. Be
sure to dry them thoroughly -- and make sure the areas between
your toes are completely dry as well. Wear properly fitting shoes
and socks to protect your feet.

4. Most importantly, keep checking your blood glucose levels.

Make sure they are at the level recommended by your doctor.

5. Drink a lot of water every day -- at least 64 ounces.

6. Eat a healthy diet.

Include carbohydrates, good fats, lean protein and lots of fresh
vegetables. Take a daily multivitamin and make sure that you
include antioxidants as well as essential minerals.

7. Ward off gum disease as much as possible by brushing and
flossing your teeth properly and often.

Visit your dentist on a regular basis as well so that you don't build
up tartar on your gumline.

8. Get plenty of sleep.

You need at least seven to eight hours every night. Keep regular
hours so that your body gets used to a consistent sleep pattern.
Go to bed at about the same time each night. Not getting enough
sleep can be very harmful to you as a diabetic.

Although there are serious complications that can result from
having diabetes, you can help protect yourself by carefully
following the eight tips in this article.

Read more about diabetes complications protection at
http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com/diabetes-complications.htm
Author Patricia Wagner offers health tips to help you be healthier
at http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com .