Publication Number
IS1781Manage 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.