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 hand-held 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 barefooted.
• 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.

Care of Teeth & Gums

• 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 A1C ..................................................less than 7%

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