Managing Diabetes

Although you have been diagnosed with diabetes there are at least 10 positive steps you can take towards taking care of yourself and staying in good health. Some apply to your lifestyle, others are important check-ups, which need to be done on a regular basis. By following these steps with the help of your diabetes health professional team you will be a winner.

10 steps to good health... what you can do

Step 1

Be well. Stay as physically active in as many ways and as often as you can. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. Activity can be cumulative eg: 10+10+10 minutes. Why not join a group or a structured program such as water aerobics? Walk the dog? Mow the lawn? Walk along the beach or walkway or bush walk?

Step 2

Eat well. Choose a variety of foods, which are low in saturated fat and salt. High fibre foods are also recommended eg: wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, fruit and vegetables. It is very important not to eat more food (energy) than you can use (burn).

Step 3

Test your blood glucose levels (BGLs) regularly. Good BGLs will help protect you from many of the problems of diabetes.

Step 4

If you smoke, STOP! Get help if needed.

Step 5

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Step 6

Keep track of your weight (and ‘waist’). If overweight, even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference to your general health and diabetes management. Your first target may be 1-2 kg weight loss. Just lose a little at a time until you achieve your ideal healthy weight – Talk to your GP about how best to do this.

Step 7

Have your doctor arrange for the recommended management and cycle of care checks: Blood pressure every visit; blood glucose average (HbA1c) 3-6 monthly and cholesterol (lipid profile) and kidneys (micro albumin) every year.

Step 8

Take care of your feet and look at them daily. Cut nails carefully (your podiatrist or diabetes educator will show you how) and wear well fitting supportive shoes. See your podiatrist every 12 months* for a thorough examination.

Step 9

Have your eyes checked by an eye specialist or trained optometrist every 1-2 years* to examine the blood vessels in the back of your eyes (the retina).

Step 10

Live well and be well.

* Unless otherwise recommended