Manage Your Diabetes

Foot Care

• Bathe daily with warm, not hot, water.
• You may trim calluses with a pumice stone, but do not use any commercial corn removers or harsh soaks, such as Epsom salt or betadine.
• Inspect your feet twice daily—when putting on shoes and taking off shoes. Report any skin breaks to your healthcare provider immediately. Use a handheld mirror to see the bottoms of your feet, or ask someone else to inspect them.
• Moisturize daily—but not between your toes.
• Trim your toenails straight across, and use an emery board to smooth.
• Never go barefoot.
• Take off your shoes when visiting your healthcare provider. Ask to have your feet checked.

Eye Care

• Schedule yearly eye exams.
• Make sure the eye doctor dilates your eyes.

Teeth and Gum Care

• Schedule regular visits to your dentist every 6 months. Go more often if problems arise.
• Brush your teeth two to four times daily.

Sick Day Care

• Monitor your blood sugar every 2 to 4 hours.
• Continue your diabetes medication, insulin, or pills.
• Continue fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Replace your normal amount of carbohydrates with sports drinks or snacks if you cannot eat whole meals.
• Call your healthcare provider if you cannot control your blood sugar.

Know Your Numbers Goals

• Hemoglobin A1Cl: less than 7 percent
• Fasting blood glucose: between 80 and 130
• Blood glucose: less than 180 (1–2 hours after meal)
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90
• Cholesterol
  • LDL: less than 70
  • HDL women: greater than 50
  • HDL men: greater than 40
• Triglycerides: less than 150
• Microalbumin (urine): less than 30

Source: American Diabetes Association.

Ask your healthcare provider if you should take a “baby aspirin” (75–162 mg) daily.

Information Sheet 1781 (POD-05-24)

Reviewed by Qula Madkin, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, Extension Instructor, Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, from a previous edition by Katherine Parman, RN, CDE, CPT, Clinician for the Diabetes Treatment Center of North Mississippi Medical Center – Tupelo and President of the Mississippi Association of Diabetes Educators (2005–2007). Previously revised by David Buys, PhD, MSPH, CPH, Associate Professor, Health Sciences Administration; and Victorian Tilley, former Graduate Research Assistant, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion.