7 Self-Care Tips for Diabetes

When our to-do list seems endless, our excuses help us brush it off. After all, many household tasks can wait, but this tactic is dangerous if you have diabetes. When unmanaged, diabetes can lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, limb amputation and premature death. You can reduce your risk for complications and improve your health with these seven self-care tips.

1. Cope Well

Be realistic with your goals and how to achieve them. Look to family members, friends and your diabetes care team for support.

2. Eat Healthy

Balance your diet with fruits, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables and whole grains.

3. Monitor Routinely

Get regular checks of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, eyes, feet and weight.

4. Problem-Solve

Be mindful of high and low variances in your blood sugar, so you can make needed adjustments.

5. Reduce Risks

Follow healthy behaviors, see your doctor regularly for needed tests, quit smoking or vaping, and brush and floss daily.

6. Stay Active

Each week, get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and reduce sedentary behaviors.

7. Take Medications

Take your medications as prescribed at the right time, dose, frequency and duration.

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Living Well With Diabetes


Diabetes Wake-Up Call

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Melissa Zalonis

Melissa Zalonis is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She is the program coordinator for the Living With Diabetes program and has worked at North Kansas City Hospital since 1994. She has specialized in diabetes nursing since 2008. She belongs to the hospital’s Speakers Bureau and is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.